BV 

3785 
.V35H8 



nMemoriam 



Nettie Van l ^^^M^^a. 



I 



f'K 





aass-JBVL-^TLSS 

Book-- V ^ 5 H B . 



^ 




NETTIE VAN NAME. 



THE SWEET SINGER 
NETTIE VAN NAME 

And Her Seven Years* Work For Jesus. 



BY 

REV. GEORGE HUGHES 



ASSISTED BY 



MRS. LIDIE H. KENNEY, 



INTRODUCTION BY 
REV. E. I. D. PEPPER. 



PHILADELPHIA : 

NATIONAL HOLINESS PUBLISHING HOUSE, 
921 Arch Street. 






D£C I 1908 









IFnttobuctfon. 



SISTER NETTIE VAN NAME might be 
most appropriately called '' The Rapturous 
Evangelist." Certainly none ever more 
fully deserved that title. 
Her ^* rapture," her millennium, her coming 
of Christ, antedated the one that is anticipated 
so fondly by so many..* a Her* faith was astonish- 
ingly triumphant. -Her life ^as unusually vic- 
torious. Her ministry was marvelously effectual. 
Her hope was glorious. The joy of God's sal- 
vation ever thrilled and filled her buoyant soul. 
Tears were transformed into spiritual meat and 
drink. Afflictions were a stimulus to her holy 
fortitude and courage. Difficulties were an in- 
spiration. Disappointments were to her God's 
appointments. Trials and troubles winged more 
rapidly her heavenward flight. Prejudices and 
persecutions made her more eager to win those 
who knew her not, as they knew Him not, who 
had sent her. 



iv introduction; 

She never rose to speak, or to sing, in any 
meeting, without her face fairly beaming with 
^* sunshine in the sweetness of her Lord.'* Her 
smile was contagious with her own over- 
flowing happiness. She was the life of holy 
company. The tones of her voice were musical 
with the ''melody unto the Lord," which har- 
monized so perfectly in her heart. Every 
motion thrilled with spiritual enthusiasm. Her 
whole thought and soul were responsive to all 
that was sweetest and brightest and best in ''the 
glorious gospel of the blessed God. '* 

Nothing was too deep or interior or intense 
for her spiritual discernment and tender con- 
science and quickened affections and willing 
mind and responsive yearnings. She 

"Ran up with joy the shining way, 
To see and praise her Lord." 

Her path was "the path of the just, which 
is as the shining light, that shineth more and 
more unto the perfect day." Prayer and praise, 
worship and adoration, holy and happy service, 
a judicious adjustment of temporal and spiritual 
duties, were her normal experience, abiding 
state, and ceaseless practise. 



INTRODUCTION. 



She was spiritually minded. She chose the 
one and only good part. The Lord was her 
portion. She sat at Jesus* feet. She abandoned 
herself to the Holy Ghost. She craved all the 
mind that was in our Lord Jesus Christ. She 
was an incarnation of *'the simplicity of the 
gospel of Christ. " She was an embodiment of 
childlike Christlikeness. She was a shining 
illustration of ** purity of intention," of the 
single mind and the single eye — single to the 
glory of God. She knew nothing among men 
save Jesus Christ — her crucified and risen and 
saving Lord. Not with eye-service, as a man- 
pleaser, but in singleness of heart, fearing God. 
Whatsoever she did, she did it heartily, as to the 
Lord, and not unto men. Not pleasing herself, 
but pleasing her neighbors for their good to 
edification. 

This admirable unity of all her inner nature 
could not but manifest itself in a corresponding 
unity of outward action. One only thing she 
did ; and, in doing that, she did what she could. 
She counted no cost. She spared no pains. She 
considered not her own weak body. She debated 
no self-sacrifice. She stipulated no recompense. 
Singularly loving home, she exiled herself from 
it, that she might bring others home to God and 



vi INTRODUCTION, 

to heaven. She unselfishly devoted herself to 
the salvation of souls — the unlovely as well as 
the loveable. She lived — and died — to redeem 
her fellows from all iniquity. She saved not 
herself bodily, that she might save others. Like 
her Lord, she could not save herself. It would 
have been graciously unnatural to her generous 
and self-forgetful devotion to God and man. 

Nevertheless, her efforts to save others were 
in the same rapturous vein as her own life and 
death — drawing, never driving. She sweetly 
sang and smiled and shouted, while she pleaded 
and persuaded them into her own glorious and 
uttermost salvation. Love was her lucid logic. 
The ^* beauty of holiness'* was her attractive 
appeal. ** Whatsoever things are lovely" were 
her syren charms to lure deluded souls away 
from the rocks of destruction upon which they 
were about to dash. 

She was also heavenly-minded. Her con- 
versation was in heaven. She almost exclusively 
sought those things which are above. She 
ardently set her affection on things above, not 
on things on the earth. She was dead to sin 
and to the world; and her life was hid with 
Christ in God. 

E. I. D. Pepper. 



CHAPTER I. 

PARENTAGE — EARLY LIFE CONTERSION. 



** For the promise is unto you and to your children,^* 

— Acts ii : 39. 

NETTIE VAN NAME, the subject of this 
sketch, was the youngest daughter of the 
late John and Jane Townley Van Name, 
and was born in Elizabeth, N. J. Her 
parents were devoted Christians, of the old 
Methodist type, '* walking in all the command- 
ments and ordinances of the Lord blameless,'* in 
the order and fellowship of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. '* John Van Name,'* as was often 
said, *' was a man mighty in prayer." When he 
made his approaches to the throne, answers 
were quickly received. 

Being reared under such favorable Christian 
influences, we are not surprised that Nettie 
should have early become a bright and happy 
Christian. Her sister, now the wife of Rev. Geo. 



THE SWEET SINGER, 



Hughes, had been very blessedly converted in a 
remarkable revival in the Franklin Street Church, 
Newark, N. J., under the ministry of Rev. 
William P. Corbit. She naturally became very 
solicitous that her younger sister should be 
brought to Christ. It was arranged, at a certain 
time, providentially, that they should go to the 
Sing Sing (N. Y.) Camp Meeting, then noted 
as a place where there were remarkable displays 
of divine power. The last day of the meeting 
came, and the hope which had been so ardently 
cherished was unrealized — Nettie was still un- 
converted. But while walking around the ground 
she was attracted by the sweet singing in the 
large tent. The hymn sung included this stanza : 

** O, what shall I do to be saved, 

When the pleasures of youth have all fled, 
And I weep o'er the graves of the dead, 
O, what shall I do to be saved ? " 

This completely broke her heart, and she was 
soon found kneeling among the penitents as an 
humble seeker of salvation. Her sister was 
quickly by her side, pointing her to Jesus, and 
they wept and prayed together. But the light 
and deliverance did not then come. 

The time for closing the meeting had 
arrived, and the penitent one was still in deep 



NETTIE VAN NAME, 



distress. Turning to her sister she said, **0, 
how I wish the meeting could be continued 
another day !'* But she was encouraged to keep 
looking to Jesus, under the assurance that He 
could manifest Himself anywhere. 

As they journeyed homeward with their 
Camp Meeting associates, they sang several of 
the familiar hymns which had been resounding 
through the consecrated grove. When they 
came to the old battle hymn : 

** There is a fountain filled with blood," etc. 

Nettie, by faith, saw the fountain lying open, 
the fountain filled with the Redeemer's blood, 
and infinitely meritorious, and she instantly 
plunged in and was saved. The Spirit answered 
to the blood and told her that she was converted. 
It was a joyous hour, and the young convert with 
a light heart praised her Saviour. It required no 
effort to confess Christ with her lips. She was 
ready to sing : 

** And if you felt the glory. 

Why, you'd shout as well as I, 

O, haUelujah, hallelujah, 
Hallelujah to the Lamb ! 

My sins are all forgiven ; 
I'm saved, I know I am ! " 



THE SWEET SINGER, 



In this happy conversion there was the germ of 
those holy activities which were to be seen in 
after life, producing abundant fruit. 

Arriving at home, the sisters were met at 
the door by their beloved mother, who had been 
watching and earnestly praying during their 
absence. She was a woman of keen discern- 
ment, and as soon as she caught a glimpse of 
Nettie's bright countenance, she exclaimed, 
*' O, you have it, you have it I '* Then came the 
warm maternal embrace, and heartfelt thanks- 
giving to the Father of mercies, for His new 
benediction upon the favored household. And 
when the hour of worship came, and all the 
family gathered around the consecrated altar, 
the honored father ** lifted up holy hands, 
without wrath or doubting,'' and from a full 
heart, poured out thanksgiving and praise. 

That evening several of Nettie's young 
friends called in to see her, and, as was their 
custom, requested her to sing some of their fa- 
vorite songs. But, under the leadings of the 
Blessed Spirit, no doubt, she substituted some of 
the stirring hymns which she had learned at the 
camp-meeting. All the girls were melted to 
tears, and the song testimony of the hour, so 
auspiciously given, will, we verily believe, tell 



NETTIE VAN NAME, 



upon the destinies of eternity. May not some 
of that youthful group have already nnet "' the 
Sweet Singer " upon the plains of light ? 

The young disciple continued in her Church 
relations to shbw becoming fidelity, and she 
availed herself of the means of grace as she had 
opportunity. In the home circle she was a great 
comfort to her parents, especially to her mother, 
with whom she was so closely united in daily 
domestic duties. But she was called to a great 
trial, which tested to the utmost the grace which 
had been so graciously imparted. One morning 
that precious mother was stricken with paralysis, 
and for nine years she was helpless and depend- 
ent upon the tender care of the loved ones in 
the family Those were years of painful trial to 
each and to all, but they were also years of 
signal triumph. That beloved mother, in her 
seclusion and weakness, manifested so much of 
the beautiful Christly spirit, love, and gentle- 
ness, and patience, that all around, and those 
who came to visit her, were deeply impressed 
with the fact that she was a truly holy woman. 
Nettie and her niece. Miss Mary A. Westervelt, 
watched by her with tender and loving solicitude, 
omitting nothing that would contribute to her 
comfort and happiness. And while deprived of 



6 THE SWEET SINGER, 

the privileges of the Sabbath School and other 
opportunities of instruction, in ** the school of 
affliction,'* the future *^ singing evangelist '* was 
being taught lessons of high import, and passing 
through a course of discipline calculated to give 
her eminent qualifications for her life-work. 

Atone time, needing rest and change of air, 
Nettie took occasion to spend a few days with 
her sister (Mrs. Hughes) at Ocean Grove. One 
day a telegram arrived which* of course, at once 
awakened grave apprehension that their mother 
had been called hence. On opening it, how- 
ever, it was found to contain the sad intelligence 
that their father, instead of their mother, had 
been suddenly summoned to the eternal world. 
The daughters, receiving these painful tidings, 
had their cup of sorrow filled to the brim, for he 
was a very loving and devoted father. But in 
this hour of sore trial they leaned their heads on 
the dear Redeemer's breast, and committed to 
Him all their sorrow, and they were abundantly 
comforted. 

Of course the removal of the head of the 
family brought with it changes. But amid them 
all the younger of the circle held to her con- 
fidence in Jesus. She proved the truth of the 
promise, ** I will never leave nor forsake thee." 



NETTIE VAN NAME. 



Often, when Nettie made reference to those days 
of trial, large audiences were melted to tears. 
Sometimes persons said it was easy for her to 
enjoy and live a holy life, being so free from 
care and trial. Ah, how little does the outside 
world know of the heart's sorrows, and the 
shadows that rest upon the pathway of those 
of whom they thus speak! 

At length the darling mother was also called 
to her heavenly home. To her it was a blessed 
release from the sorrows and conflicts of earth, 
and an entrance upon the glories of immortality. 
Her spirit, her words, her life — all bore the 
heavenly impress. She swayed a mighty scepter 
of influence in her household. She reared a 
large family of children, and put upon every 
brow, of sons and daughters, a luminous super- 
scription. She is awaiting, in the glory-land, 
the arrival of each loved one. Nettie and the 
sainted mother have doubtless had a joyous 
meeting. 



CHAPTER II. 



EXPERIENCE OF ENTIRE SANCTIFICATION AND ITS 
HAPPY RESULTS. 



** O, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.^* 

— Psa. xcvi: 9. 

" Ever fainting with desire, 
For Thee, O Christ, I call, 
Thee I restlessly require ; 
I want my God, my All." 

NETTIE, from the time of her conversion, 
had a * * hungering and thirsting after right- 
eousness. '* She fully believed in holiness, 
having seen it clearly manifested in the 
lives of its confessors with whom she had been 
conversant. 

A few years after her mother*s translation, 
she was visiting her sister at Ocean Grove. 
While there, a very dear friend, Miss Mary C. 
Clark, invited her to attend a meeting of the 



NETTIE VAN NAME, 



Salvation Army at Asbury Park. She, how- 
ever, declined, sharing somewhat in the preju- 
dices then existing in many minds respecting 
this peculiar organization. The invitation was 
renewed, and she then consented to accompany 
her friend to *' The Barracks." The lively sing- 
ing at once struck responsive chords in her heart, 
and the fervent prayers and exhortations also 
captivated her. 

One Saturday afternoon Nettie determined 
to repeat her visit to ''The Barracks,'* alone. 
She became deeply interested in the services, 
and, convinced that holiness of heart could be 
obtained in this life, when the invitation was 
given for seekers to present themselves for 
prayer, she went forward and earnestly sought 
'* the pearl of great price." 

While prostrate before the Lord, the Holy 
Spirit presented various tests, idols that must 
be given up, which involved the crucifixion of 
the self-life. But, having come to the point of 
self-surrender, fully, to each and all of these de- 
mands, a joyous ''Yes** came welling up from 
her heart. The sacrifice was upon the altar, and 
her hands were taken off. Having received a 
thorough musical education, and being engaged 
as a teacher of music, the Spirit's searching was 



10 THE SWEET SINGER, 

especially thorough. The question pointedly 
presented was, and the Spirit clothed it with 
mighty emphasis: ^^ Are youwilling to sing for 
Jesus only? " Her soul was intensely longing to 
be satisfied with Jesus, and it required no strug- 
gle to say that she would consecrate her voice to 
Him. At this the Spirit laid this passage upon 
her: ** Bring ye all the tithes into the store- 
house, and prove me now herewith, saith the 
Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the win- 
dows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, 
thdit there shall not be room enough to receive it,'' 
The response of the young heart at the altar of 
sacrifice was complete. All the tithes were 
brought in. And as the whole burnt-offering 
was laid upon the altar, the answering fire de- 
scended, and the witness of the Spirit was given 
to the souFs consciousness, that the work of 
entire sanctification was wrought. Captain Ada 
Waterman, in charge of the services, looking 
upon the shining face of the one just washed in 
Jesus' blood, said, *' Will that young lady tell us 
what the Lord has done for her soul ? " Instant- 
ly, Nettie sprang to her feet, and out of the 
abundance of her heart, testified of the fulness 
of love that she had received. All present felt 
the unction and power of her testimony. 



NETTIE VAN NAME, 11 

She went at once on the platform, took the 
tambourine, handled it skilfully, and discoursed 
excellent music in honor of her King, for she felt 
then as never before that she was indeed ^*a 
child of the King." She continued for some 
time to be a worker in the ranks of ^ ' The Army , *' 
counting it no dishonor, but rather a joy and a 
glory to be associated with these self-denying and 
successful soldiers of the Cross. We have often 
heard her speak of the sweet fellowship enjoyed 
with the devoted ^* Captain Waterman " and her 
associates. 

That full consecration to Christ, on that clos- 
ing day of the week, was forever memorable in 
the life of the one whose career we are tracing. 
It was the prelude to a Sabbath, which was in- 
deed ^* a high day,'' a day of sweet communion 
with Christ, who was now of God, made unto 
her, ** wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and 
redemption." She could sing with a full heart: 

*' Lord, I am thine, entirely thine, 

Purchased and saved by blood divine, 
With full consent thine I will be. 

And own thy sovereign right in me." 



CHAPTER III. 

CONSECRATION TO EVANGELISTIC WORK — JOY AND 
GLADNESS THEREIN. 



*• And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy'' 

— Joel, ii : 28. 

** Salvation, let the echo fly 

The spacious earth around ; 
While all the armies of the sky- 
Conspire to raise the sound." 

FOR some time it became a question with our 
sister Nettie whether she ought not to de- 
vote herself entirely, from henceforth, to 
the service of the ** Salvation Army.'* She 
was willing to do so if the Lord should give her 
a commission. To this end she waited earnestly 
upon Him in prayer. And her friends joined 
with her in this exercise, only desiring to know 
the mind of the Spirit, not being disposed to 
put any impediments in her way. They had, 
indeed, some misgivings, in view of her physical 



NETTIE VAN NAME, 13 

frailty, whether she would be able to endure 
very long the arduous labors and exposures of 
the Army, but they were willing that the Lord 
should have His way, whether her life should be 
long or short. 

After a time of calm, patient and earnest 
waiting upon God, the decision was made. 
Nettie, under the clear illumination of the Holy 
Spirit, as we believe, reached the conclusion 
that she was needed to work in her own Church. 
And at this point providential occurrences con- 
firmed the wisdom of her choice. One beautiful 
Friday in October, 1885, she concluded to visit 
Philadelphia. Of course it was natural that 
she should find her way to the Holiness meeting, 
at 1018 Arch street. Previous to this her con- 
victions had been growing stronger that she 
must engage in evangelistic work. Often this 
Scripture was presented to her mind: **Do 
the work of an evangelist, '' 

At the close of the meeting Mrs. Lidie H. 
Kenney, who was an evangelist, while in con- 
versation with Nettie and her friend, Mary C. 
Clark, asked them to pray for her, as she was 
going to Newark, Del., next day to fill an en- 
gagement. Mary remarked that if she needed 
any one to sing, Nettie could help her in that 



14 THE SWEET SINGER, 

way. Mrs. Kenney said she had better go first 
and see the place, and if necessary, she would 
send for her. It is proper to say here that she 
had been earnestly praying the Lord to provide 
a companion for her in the work. She was will- 
ing to go alone, if need be, but at that time her 
throat was not in good condition, and she 
thought if she had a companion she could work 
longer and better for the Lord. In a week the 
way was open for our sister to spend a few days 
with her. The work increased to such an ex- 
tent that, instead of one week, she remained 
until the close of the meeting, five or six weeks. 
Thus commenced a life-long union, which has 
been richly crowned with the divine benediction. 
While Nettie's great forte was singing, she 
was efficient in all departments. One evening 
during their stay in Newark, Del., Mrs. Kenney 
appointed her to take charge of the Young Peo- 
ple's meeting at 6 p. m. This was the first time 
that she had ever been called to conduct a 
service. Feeling her need of divine help, she 
remained at home in the afternoon to be alone 
with God. On Mrs. Kenney's return she 
greeted her sweetly, saying, *^Do you not feel 
sorry for me?'* **No; because the Lord will 
help you." Tremblingly she performed the 



NETTIE VAN NAME, 15 

duty, and the Lord owned the message in the 
conversion of two souls, one of whom preceded 
her to glory. The weeks of service in this place 
resulted in the conversion of about one hundred, 
and the entire sanctification of many believers. 
The influence of the meeting still lingers. 

Their next field of labor was the First 
Church of New Brunswick, N. J., Rev. M. J, 
Relyea, pastor. They were joined by Mrs. Lizzie 
R. Smith of Philadelphia. It was a remarkable 
meeting. Numbers cannot be specified, but the 
record is on high. At one of the ** All-Day 
Meetings" that blessed man of God, Rev. James 
Caughey, who resided there, preached. He was 
so blessed under our sister's singing that he 
called her '^The Bird of Paradise." 

To Frederica, Del., the evangelists next 
took their way. Rev. T. H. Haynes was the 
pastor. The Church was in a low spiritual 
condition. The place of sojourn assigned them 
was a tavern. In the evening the pastor and 
wife called upon them, and the wife spoke 
dubiously of the prospect of success. They re- 
plied, ''the Lord does not send us on vain 
errands." The pastor said, ''Well, we are at 
the very bottom, and any move at all must be 
upward." And the tendercy was soon, upward. 



16 THE SWEET SINGER, 

As the two sisters, when left alone, knelt in 
prayer in their little room, a rich blessing was 
poured upon them, and they had a divine as- 
surance of victory. Under this assurance they 
entered upon their labors, holding up the ban- 
ner of holiness. This was to the discomfort of 
some members of the Church, who were dis- 
posed to say, ** Work for sinners. '' But they did 
not deviate from their course. 

At the expiration of two weeks Mrs. Kenney 
received a telegram stating that her home was 
burned to the ground. This was a severe shock, 
and the suspense was great, as she could not 
reach Philadelphia until the next day. She will 
never forget the deep, tender, sympathetic 
words of her precious associate and the fervent 
prayers she offered, which were heard in heaven 
and answered upon the earth. 

That evening a memorable meeting was held 
in the church. The altar was more than crowded 
with seekers, and a number were converted and 
sanctified. 

Next day Mrs. Kenney left for Philadelphia, 
and at the earnest solicitation of the people, 
Nettie remained. This separation was only 
temporary, for two days afterward a telegram 
was sent to her to Philadelphia by her associate, 



NETTIE VAN NAME, 17 

saying, **Yes come; Glory!'' In her absence 
the responsibility rested upon **The Sweet 
Singer/* but the Lord was at hand to help and 
to save. On the return of Mrs. Kenney, the 
evangelists were welcomed to the lovely home of 
Dr. Dawson and family, with whom they spent 
five weeks very happily. 

In this place some very warm Christian 
friendships were formed. Among them was 
one whose name was mentioned in our sister's 
closing hours, saying, ^' You had better come 
quickly^ B — ,** another one she was expecting 
to visit in September. 

The meeting in Frederica was a remarkable 
one. About two hundred were converted, be- 
sides many sanctified wholly, and others re- 
claimed from a back-slidden state. Pentecost 
was indeed repeated. One red-letter day, the 
people outside were so greatly influenced that 
they came running from all directions to see 
what was the matter. As they entered the 
church they w^ere astonished to behold such 
displays of divine power. Limited space will 
not allow of reference to many pleasing incidents 
connected with this Pentecostal occasion. 



18 THE SWEET SINGER, 

One of the local papers said : 

**Miss Nettie Van Name is a young and happy ser- 
vant of Christ, who has a very sweet voice, which is con- 
secrated to God. She seldom attempts to exhort, but 
being urged, she consented to take the Sabbath evening 
service. Although her words were few, they went straight 
to the hearts of many sinners present, who could not re- 
sist the call to go and pray for their soul's salvation. Miss 
Van Name, by word and song, convinces her hearers 
completely of purity of heart, and of her full and eternal 
satisfaction in God. To look upon her face is all one 
needs to do to know that she is good, and a perfect and 
obedient child of God. Even the unconverted treat her 
with reverence." 

SuDLERSViLLE, Md., was the next field of 
the evangelists. For the third time they were 
aiding Rev. T. H. Haynes, then pastor in this 
place. A prejudice existed here in regard to 
female evangelists, but after the first day it was 
dissipated, and success crowned the earnest 
labors put forth. Nettie organized a large choir 
of young ladies and gentlemen, who, under her 
leadership, sang in the Spirit, and greatly aided 
in the effort to win souls for Jesus. The be- 
loved one, of whom we write, under the in- 
spiration of the Spirit, went through the con- 
gregation in quest of the lost. One evening she 
led an infidel to the altar, a man over seventy, 



NETTIE VAN NAME, 19 

who was gloriously converted. This is one of 
the many interesting cases. 

The evangelists accepted an invitation from 
Rev. C. K. Fleming, pastor of the Church in 
Atlantic City, N. J. New victories were won 
here, and the people will not cease to remember 
the inspiring songs, prayers and exhortations of 
the dear one who is now before the throne. 
Smithville, Port Republic and Absecon also 
received divine visitations. 

Cordova, Md., was another of the places 
of holy ministration, Last summer, while at 
Mountain Lake Park, Nettie received a letter 
from Cordova requesting her to come quickly 
and pray with a young man whom she had 
earnestly besought to give his heart to Jesus, 
but to no purpose. He procrastinated until the 
meeting was closed, and, when disease marked 
him for its victim, he was ready to use any means 
to be saved. 

A wonderful Thanksgiving day was enjoyed 
at Cordova. Nettie gave a testimony, under 
which the people were greatly blessed. They 
wept and shouted aloud the praises of God as 
she moved to and fro in the altar, as if some 
ethereal being. 



20 THE SWEET SINGER, 

BuRRSViLLE, Md. In the fall of 1890 Mrs. 
Kenney and her associate commenced evangel- 
istic labors with Rev. T. V. Tabler, pastor of the 
Church in this place. Each morning during the 
six weeks' service an hour was spent with Bro. 
Tabler and wife in Bible study and earnest 
prayer for a widespread revival to extend for 
twenty miles around. Sister Nettie's pleadings 
in the parsonage and in the church, and her 
spirited and joyful songs, will be ever cherished 
in remembrance. May the numbers of young 
men who joined so frequently and heartily in 
the song: 

'* Hallelujah, hallelujah to the Lamb ! 
My sins are all forgiven : 
Tm saved, I know I am " — 

be faithful to their promise, and meet this now- 
crowned worker in Heaven. Eternity alone will 
tell the number of the saved at this meeting, as 
the work was indeed widespread. On the third 
night of the services thirty-two testified to having 
received the blessing of perfect love. Pentecost 
was many times repeated, and such was the in- 
creasing interest that the workers were held here, 
and other engagements had to be indefinitely 
postponed. 



NETTIE VAN NAME, 21 

QuAKERTowN. Pa. — An extract from a letter 
written by Nettie, while working here, to Bro. J. 
H. Kirkbride, may be of interest to the reader. 

She says : — '* A big battle on hand, but I 
know we shall win, for we fight in the strength 
of Our Lord." 

This was realized, for the Lord only sent 
these valiant ones to places whither He Himself 
would come. 

Felton, Del. — In February, 1892, it was 
the privilege of the evangelists to assist Rev. T. 
H. Haynes in his new appointment, making the 
fourth time with this brother. And, as usual, the 
Lord graciously crowned their labors, and many 
precious souls were saved. Here Sister Nettie or- 
ganized a choir which was an effective auxiliary. 

In relating her experiences at different times 
she would often sing : 

THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE. 

Talk not to me of wealth and store, 
Of glittering gems or golden ore ; 
A pearl I've found of richer price, 
Like that which grows in Paradise. 

It is what Paul apprized so high, 
It is what one sold all to buy; 
It is God's love within the heart, 
It doth substantial joy impart. 



22 THE SWEET SINGER, 

Long time I sought, but sought in vain, 
Some pure enjoyment to obtain; 
I ranged the fields of pleasure o'er, 
But never found such peace before, 

To me the sting of death is gone. 
The grave's divested of its gloom; 
I view it as a calm retreat, 
Where I may rest in balmy sleep. 

And when the last loud trump shall sound, 
I shall in triumph leave the ground; 
I then shall sing in seraph's strain, 
In endless day, on glory's plain. 

This term of service had connected with it 
many interesting events. Among them we may- 
mention a visit made to a very humble home, 
where a sick man was on the verge of the grave. 
Within ten minutes after their entering the house 
the man was happily converted, and a few min- 
utes later his wife was saved. 

While at work in Felton the death angel 
seemed to be hovering near Mrs. Kenney, but 
the time of departure was mercifully delayed 
through the instrumentality of dear Nettie's 
prayers and others who plead in her behalf. 

Besides the above-named places, the sister 
evangelists so blessedly united in the Master's 
service, lifted up the Gospel standard in James- 



NETTIE VAN NAME. 23 

burg, Pemberton, Aldine, and Washington, 
N. J. ; Picture Rocks, Pen Argyl, and Quaker- 
town, Pa. ; Wilmington and Wyoming, Del. ; 
Royal Oak, Pomona, Fairlee, Denton and 
Trappe, Md. ; and in each place sheaves were 
gathered into the garner of the Lord, the full 
measure of which will be revealed hereafter. 

At the last named place, a brother, at 
whose house the workers tarried, built a boat 
and named it *^ Nettie," which is now floating 
on the bosom of one of the rivers of Maryland. 
We trust it will be as a beacon-light to direct 
souls to the haven of rest, and stimulate many 
to meet their obligations, so that at last they 
may receive the crown of life. 

These arduous and protracted evangelistic 
labors severely taxed the powers of both body 
and mind. But it was all for Jesus, and the 
workers continually recognized His voice, as the 
stanza beautifully represents: 

** Toil on, faint not ; keep watch, and pray ! 
Be wise, the erring soul to win ; 
Go forth into the world's highway ; 
Compel the wanderer to come in." 



CHAPTER IV. 

SPIRITUAL PROGRESS. NEW AND HAPPY EXPE- 
RIENCES. ORAL AND WRITTEN TESTIMONIES. 



** That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing^ 
being fruitful in every good worky and increasing in the 
knowledge of God^ — Colos. i : lo. 



'* Walk in the light ! thy path shall be 
Peaceful, serene and bright ; 
For God, by grace, shall dwell in thee, 
And God himself is light." 

WHILE prosecuting the arduous and self- 
denying labors, to which we have made 
reference, our sister was not unmindful 
of the necessity of personal advancement 
in the knowledge and love of God. Hence, 
in the privacy of their room, the co-workers 
often spent hours together upon their knees, 
supplicating for fuller divine revelations. And 
their prayers were abundantly answered, so that 



NETTIE VAN NAME. 25 

their profiting appeared unto all. The tokens of 
this spiritual progress are very decided and 
joyous in the case of the departed. 

At Jamesburg, N. J., in 1887, Nettie wrote, 
in a meditation upon the passage '* Commit thy 
way unto the Lord, trust also in Him and He 
shall bring it to pass,'' as follows: 

*' Glory to God! I do thank Thee, O Lord, that I was 
led at the midnight hour to renew my consecration and 
place my all on the altar afresh — my time, my pen, 
influence, memory, mind and will — my feet to run in Thy 
ways — my tongue to speak for Thee. The language of 
my heart is, * My all to Christ I've given.' My entire 
being seems to be swallowed up in Thee — Glory ! Glory ! 
Glory ! Thou knowest, dear Jesus, how I have felt the 
need of a richer baptism of the Holy Ghost, and how on 
my knees before God last night, I sought and received 
such a fulness as I never before experienced. The Holy 
Ghost is mine ? Mine in all His fulness ! It is the power 
of God, even in my soul ; yes, my soul ! O, memorable 
day, Dec. 10, 1887. I feel it like electricity running 
through my frame, and then the deep sense of His 
presence, makes me powerless to speak. O, Father, can 
I receive so much of the presence of the Holy Ghost as to 
almost wing my enraptured soul away from this earthly 
body ? I do know that God could not show Moses His 
glory, or rather the glory of his face, and Moses live, but 
He hid him in the rock. But, O Thou art filling my heart 
to overflowing — * pressed down, shaken together and 
running over* — and yet every power of my being cries for 



26 THE SWEET SINGER, 

more ! I do praise Thee, my blessed Redeemer, that we 
can never exhaust Thy fulness, and the enjoyment of 
heaven will be to reach after more and still more, while 
eternity lasts, and God Himself endures. O, what a 
thought ! Constantly getting more like Thee, dear Jesus, 
Hallelujah ! O, Jesus, help me to sing for Thee as never 
before. Angels cannot sing the song of the redeemed. 
They sing of creating power — we of redeeming love. 
This thought seems to inspire me with more zeal for 
precious souls." 

Among her papers was the following re- 
corded experience. 

** For nearly three years, it has been a delight to my 
soul to bear witness to the cleansing power of the precious 
blood. God thrust me out to work on this line, and since 
then my whole soul has been absorbed in the work of 
soul-saving. How I love it ! It is our meat and drink to 
do our Master's will. I know I am but an humble 
gleaner. We intend by the help of God to lift high our 
banner, to stand unflinching. We do not intend to lower 
the standard to suit the demands of the times. No, no ; 
we are not responsible for the narrowness of the way. It 
is ours to stand in the way and * inquire for the old 
paths.' Lord, help us to unfurl the banner of holiness 
and fling it to the breeze ! We want all the world to see 
the inscription placed there by our King, ' Holiness unto 
the Lord.' We will be loyal to God. What do we care 
what the enemy says to the inscription on our banner ? 
We have it written on our hearts. Glory ! God's grace is 
abundantly sufficient. The mystery to me is how can it 
be, that to me, one so unworthy as I, this great grace 
should be given." 



NETTIE VAN NAME. 27 

** The soul stripped of its idols and cleansed in the 
fountain ; is just beginning to grasp its privileges and is 
being plumed for its upward flight." 

• Halleluiah, what a Saviour ! 

*'My peace flows as a river deep and wide. Surely 
God does bless us as we go forth to battle for Him. We 
first get strength and wisdom on our knees, before we 
leave our room, which always seems hallowed by the 
presence of the Holy Sanctifier, and thus we have been 
enabled to gain many glorious victories. By and by we 
will spread our trophies at His feet and crown Him Lord 
of all. Jesus removes all my doubts and fears and makes 
such rich interpretations of His infinite love to us. Truly 
we find the secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him." 

Testimonies given in the Friday meeting in 
Philadelphia, Pa. : 

Sister Nettie Van Name: I want to say, to the glory 
of God, that there is sunshine, gladness, and music in my 
soul to-day. While looking over the past, as I trace 
God's goodness to me, I am lost in wonder, loye, and 
praise. And this afternoon Jesus dispels all my doubts 
and fears. I am happy in His love. 

Given February i8, 1892 : 

Sister Nettie Van Name rose, singing : 

Jesus, Jesus ! All the way along it is Jesus. 

Heaven was never more real. I was never so utter 
ly spoiled for the world. I have been learning of 
Him who said, " Learn of Me." He has been unfolding 
the Word to me wonderfully, and making interpretations 



28 THE SWEET SINGER, 

of His divine love to my soul. Jesus is my teacher, my 
guide, my sanctifier, my deliverer. I am kept by the 
power of God through faith. Jesus has been equipping 
me — the least of all gleaners — to do more work for Him. 
Six years ago he led me out to sing the gospel, and now 
He is loosening my tongue. He can break off every 
fetter, and make us fearless before the multitude. Glory 
be to the Father I Glory be to the Son ! Glory be to the 
Holy Ghost! I feel it, — it is like an electric current run- 
ning through me ! O sing something with " hallelujah " 
in it ! 

Under the glorious influence now prevailing, the 
words, 

Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah to the Lamb ! 

burst forth from joy-flooded hearts, like the sound of 
many waters. The scene beggars description. Feeling 
rose beyond the grasp of words. 

After singing a few verses with the chorus. 

His yoke is easy, His burden is light, 

Sister Nettie resumed : If it had not been for the Salva- 
tion Army I should not be here this afternoon to testify to 
full salvation. It was at one of their afternoon meetings 
that God set my soul at liberty, — a little, frightened soul. 
O, glory to God ! it has taken all the timidity out of my 
soul, and set me all on fire ! Let everybody say, ** glory!" 
(This shout went up as from one voice.) Let everybody 
say ** hallelujah !" and '* hallelujah " rang out clearly at 
the touch of this request. Let everybody say, ** praise 
the Lord ! " Amid tears and smiles and waving of hands, 
" praise the Lord !" was shouted rapturously. 



NETTIE VAN NAME, 29 

On May 19, 1892, after singing, 

O, the blood, etc., 

Sister Nettie Van Name said, That chorus brings 
to mind one night, — it was a few nights after I was 
sanctified, — I awoke singing that chorus. O, how my 
soul feeds on the experiences I hear in this place, 
hallowed by the presence of the Holy Sanctifier. Praise 
God ! I am sitting at the feet of my King. I praise God 
that the tabernacle of God is still with men. I am feeding 
on the finest of the wheat. I realize my inefficiency as I 
go out to work for Jesu5 ; but I put my faith in Jesus and 
always go home praising God for more trophies. By and 
by I expect to sing a song the angels cannot sing, because 
He died for me. I am fully trusting in Him day by day. 
I am, as Brother Pepper said, * mounting up on the wings 
of love and faith.' I know that I have the real thing. 
Next to having Jesus, I love the society of those who are 
longing to know more and more of Jesus. My soul is 
overflowing. He has set this spirit free. Not a fetter 
lingers. I am mounting higher and higher, and while I am 
going up, I am going down into the deeper things of God. 

She here sang. 

O my heart is full of laughter ! — Ishi, 

At Mt. Lake Park, July 3, 1892, Sister 
Nettie was appointed one of the leaders of the 
Young People's Meeting, and in addition to 
other words spoken by her, the following is 
about the last public testimony given at that 
Camp Meeting: 



30 THE SWEET SINGER, 

Sister Van Name said : ** I praise the Lord that we 
are here. I feel His divine presence. As He pours 
showers upon the earth, so showers of divine grace fall 
upon us. I am glad that the old, the middle-aged, the 
young and the children are here. Jesus is here to bless 
us all together. I have known Jesus since thirteen years of 
age. My older sister invited me to go with her to camp- 
meeting. I went, and during the singing of a hymn," 

*' O what shall I do to be saved ? " 
*' I was convinced. While going home in the train, and 
they were singing," 

*' There is a fountain filled with blood," 

*' He picked up this little child in His loving arms, and 
gave me His peace — saved through His precious blood. 
When I came to the door, my mother said, * You've got 
it ! ' I had Jesus. I have Him to-day. Seven years ago 
He sanctified me. There is not a fetter on me. My ex- 
perience grows brighter. I am established on the Word. 
When we get to this broad place we are not exempt'from 
trial and temptation ; but I hold on with a tenacious 
grip, and I praise Him that I am dead to the people, dead 
to myself." 

These are but a few indications of the richer 
and deeper experiences which were being con- 
stantly realized. They might be greatly multi- 
plied. Our beloved one proved that they that 
wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, 
they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they 
shall run, and not weary, and th^y shall walk, 
and not faint. 



CHAPTER V. 

CLOSING DAYS MARVELOUS REVELATIONS- 
RAPTUROUS EXPRESSIONS TRIUMPHAL 

ENTRANCE INTO THE CITY OF 

THE Great King. 



** And the ransomed of the Lord shall return^ and come to Zion 
with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads ; they shall 
obtain joy and gladness^ and sorrow and sighing shall Jiee 
away.'' — Isa. xxxv.; lo. 



** In that eternal day, 

No clouds or tempests rise ; 
There gushing tears are wiped away, 
Forever from our eyes." 

LAST spring, after the labors of the winter, our 
sister expressed a desire that she should 
not be separated, this summer, from her be- 
loved co-laborer, Mrs. Kenney. This desire 
was gratified. The last day of June she left her 
sister's home in Orange, New Jersey, and started 
for Mountain Lake Park, Md., in company with 



32 THE SWEET SINGER, 

Other friends, who have been accustomed for 
successive years to visit that hallowed ground. 
The Camp meeting was one of precious interest, 
and Nettie said she never enjoyed Mountain 
Lake so much. 

Friends will not forget the liberty with 
which she spoke in the children's meeting, also 
the afternoon Sister Williams preached. What 
unction attended her words ! Neither can they 
forget the fervent prayers offered in the ** Hotel 
Dennett," at family devotions, as well as in their 
room in secret prayer with her colleague; for 
these evangelists were so united, it was secret 
prayer with them when they prayed audibly 
together. God knew it. 

O, those precious hours and days of prayer 
can never be effaced ! The prayers for loved 
ones, for her sister, brother-in-law, nieces, and 
brothers, for Mrs. Kenney's sisters and their 
families, and for other friends, calling them by 
name, so many it took much time ; also for 
many other persons, mingled with thanksgiving 
and praise for the prayers already answered and 
the showers of blessing that came pouring upon 
their heads. 

On July 4th, Brother Dennett tendered them 
an invitation to accompany him^self and wife to 



NETTIE VAN NAME, 33 

the Camp meeting at Silver Heights, Indiana. 
This gave Nettie great delight, and she ex- 
claimed, ^* Glory!" Friends hearing of the 
proposed trip, discouraged it, in view of our 
sister's feebleness. The journey was, however 
undertaken, and on arriving at New Albany, 
her brother, Thomas Van Name, having just 
returned from Texas to his home in New Albany, 
Indiana, hearing of his sister's presence hastened 
to see her. She had been separated from this 
dear brother fourteen years and, of course, the 
meeting was very joyous, neither supposing that 
it was the last interview to be enjoyed on 
earth. For the salvation of this precious 
brother, as for other loved ones, she had prayed 
in the years of the past, and it is hoped that 
ultimately the whole family will greet each 
other in the heavenly city. 

The intense heat prevailing on the camp- 
ground greatly prostrated our precious sister, but 
still she was able to attend the meetings, where 
she testified, prayed and sang with great effect. 

The last piece she sang at Silver Heights was 

•* Where He leads, I will follow." 

Dr. Clark requested her to sing *^Ishi," the 
singing of which will never be forgotten by 



34 THE SWEET SINGER, 

friends at Mountain Lake Park and Silver 
Heights. How often the words of *'Ishi " were 
repeated on her dying bed! She would com- 
mence the verse, and, as Mrs. Kenney would 
continue it for her, she would say, ^^ That is it !'* 
So glad to have the words repeated. 

At the close of the camp-meeting the evan- 
gelists returned to Mountain Lake Park, where 
through the kind hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. 
Dennett, they remained two weeks to rest. 

Having recovered sufficiently she immediate- 
ly set her face toward Ocean Grove, and on her 
arrival was cordially welcomed. All were de- 
lighted to meet their dear one again, and the 
children as they were wont to do, evinced their 
joy at the return of ** Aunt Nettie." She said to 
her sister that she was so glad to be at home 
once more. Her colleague came two days later. 
It was soon evident to all that the western 
trip had been unfavorable in its influence 
upon the frail one. Nevertheless, she was 
cheerful and hopeful, and from day to 
day mingled familiarly with the loved ones 
at home, but she bore about with her the 
marks of her continuous travels and labors. 
She was, however, anticipating with much plea- 
sure the camp-meeting, but her friends clearly 



NETTIE VAN NAME. 35 

and sadly recognized the fact that she was too 
feeble to engage in such exercises. Her spirit, 
however, was buoyant, and she endeavored to 
rise above the depressing influences that were 
upon her. 

One afternoon, as she and her friend, Mrs. 
Kenney, sat in the parlor, she thought her sister 
would enjoy their singing together, therefore 
commenced with, 

*' My soul is redeemed ;" 
then 

*' Precious Jesus;" 

and the last, etc., 

*' I shall be satisfied when I awake in thy likeness.** 

On Sabbath morning, about four o'clock, 
she arose, not feeling well, with her face greatly 
swollen. She soon returned to bed, and gradually 
grew worse, her head being the main trouble. 
It became necessary to send for the physician, 
and the next day, as the progress of disease was 
very threatening, another was called ; the two 
agreed that the trouble was in the brain, and their 
treatment aimed to give relief at that point. 
While in this struggle for life she would often 
call her dear sister and give expression to some 
precious words. In the afternoon she seemed 



36 THE SWEET SINGER, 

SO bright her friends were disposed to put 
away the thought of death. She told of a dream 
which she had on Friday night. She was on 
board of a large steamship, which was riding 
the crest of every wave, and then landed on the 
other side, where there were numbers of people 
who were so glad that she had come. ^^ But,'' 
she said to her sister, *^I don't mean that was 
heaven." But it did seem to foreshadow the 
coming translation. 

While passing through this severe ordeal of 
pain and suffering, she had a lively appreciation 
of the kindly attention shown by her friends, 
and she felt especially grateful that the Lord had 
permitted her to be with those whom she loved 
so tenderly, in this time of affliction. But she 
regretted that they should be deprived of the 
services then progressing. To her colleague she 
said, **You are being kept from the camp- 
meeting," but she was glad to reply there was 
not a desire for the meeting, as the greatest camp- 
meeting she could attend was in the will of God, 
and she was sure His will was for her to be with 
her, and minister to her comfort and need. 

Everything that medical skill and tender 
watchcare could do was brought into requisition 
to lengthen the life of our beloved sister. Devoted 



NETTIE VAN NAME. 37 

friends, day and night, watched by her couch, 
hoping and praying, that the fatal hour might 
be turned aside. But her Heavenly Father had 
spoken the welcome word, ** Child^ coi7ie home!'' 
She was ready to respond, even with holy joy, 
and in five days from the time of her last pros- 
tration, on Friday morning, about four o'clock, 
her happy spirit winged its way to the palace 
of angels and of God. 

During the few days and nights of her lin- 
gering on the earthly shore, the most triumphal 
words proceeded from the lips of the patient 
sufferer. Her little niece, Annie Palmer Hughes, 
sat by her bedside, with paper and pencil in 
hand, and noted down these wonderful senten- 
ces. As far as we are able to give them they 
were as follows: 

*'I see, Oyes !" 

*' Beyond the sighing and the weeping." 

** Love Jesus." 

** O Lord, my Saviour !" 

" O, come Jesus, the one altogether lovely." 

*' His Spirit shall guide me safely." 

*' O, blessed Jesus ! My Jesus !" 

" Only a little longer." 

** Saviour, Saviour, my blessed Redeemer." 

*' Hallelujah to His name." 

** Palms of victory." 



38 THE SWEET SINGER, 

*• I told you I went to prepare a place for you." 

** Eye hath not seen nor ear heard." 

" Hallelujah ! We worship Thee ! 

*' We adore Thee !" 

" Filled with all the fulness of the Godhead." 

** A little talk with Jesus^makes it right, all right." 

*' I take Thee"—'' You take me." 

" Saved to the uttermost." '' Hallelujah ! " 

** Beautiful, beautiful, is all I can say ! " 

** Glory ! Glory ! This is very precious." 

** Jesus walks and talks with me." 

'' Hallelujah ! Hallelujah ! Hallelujah !" 

In great paroxysms of pain she said : 

*'0 Jesus, how long? hallelujah !" 

*' Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him." 

** Over, over on Canaan's shore I stand." 

*' Mighty to deliver." 

** Through great tribulation." 

"We are the witnesses'" 

" I am so rejoiced, my soul is redeemed." 

** Clad in bright array." 

" Jesus, my Jesus !" 

" A consecrated body." 

After repeating to her the verses of ** Hide 
Thou me," she said: 

''Hallelujah!" "Hallelujah!" "Hallelujah!" "Re- 
deemed! " " Redeemed ! " " Redeemed ! " "I love to 
proclaim Jesus." 

" Redeemed ! " " Write it." " Talk it." " Preach 
it." " Sing it." " He charms away our fears." 



NETTIE VAN NAME, 39 

" There is no affliction to man but what is common." 

** O Lord, it is all right." 

** God never willingly afflicts." 

** It is all right, Jesus." 

** Come quickly." ** Shout the glad tidings abroad." 

*' O Jesus, come quickly." 

*'0, beautiful." 

*' It is victory all along the line." 

** Ishi's voice is calling me." 

** Such wonderful, divine support.'*^ 

** Just put me under Thy wing." 

** This is the day of days." " It is a great uplift." 

** How He died ! " How He suffered ! " 

**rve got it ! I've got it!" 

** I see the crucified One." 

*' Without spot or wrinkle." 

*' He's just the same." 

** Enough, forever more," 

** He knows, for He hath felt the same." 

"The blood of Jesus washes white as snow, don't 
you know." 

"If it is so sweet down here, what will it be up 
there?" 

" Wonderful, that I am counted worthy to suffer for 
Him." 

** I see Him " — then addressing us, she said : 

" Don't you think I am better? I think I am." 

'* O, through the blood of the Lamb, the Lord will 
give victory." " Hallelujah ! " 

<< * * * ^ you had better come ! " 

" Beautiful ! (Her sister, Mrs. Hughes, said, 'What 
is beautiful?') She replied, 'the innumerable company.' " 



40 THE SWEET SINGER, 

'* It is a wonderful redemption." 

** Tell my brothers to come quickly to Jesus." 

*' Rejoice with trembling." 

"- O, God, I walk and talk with Thee." 

** My God, my Redeemer." 

" I trust in Thee." 

*' Let me go right across." 

'* O, Lord, send deliverance." 

" I want to be true." 

** I want to come." 

One day she clasped the hand of her faith- 
ful friend who was almost constantly at her bed- 
side, and said, *' You can go with me through the 
valley, but Jesus will take me through the gates. " 

At another time her sister asked, if Jesus 
was with her and if He was precious, and she 
replied, *' Jesus stays with me all the time.'' 

It would greatly add to the interest of these 
triumphant utterances if the immediate circum- 
stances connected with them could be given. 
We will, however, advert to a few of them. 

On one occasion, when her sister was stand- 
ing by her bed, Nettie exclaimed, ** O what 
whiteness, what whiteness ! " And when asked, 
*^What whiteness?'' she replied, *^The innu- 
merable company — We are come to an innumer- 
able company. '' Then she said with emphasis, 
^' / have come. " 



NETTIE VAN NAME. 41 

Though called to suffer such great pain and 
anguish, the vein of pleasantry which she pos- 
sessed, at times found happy expression. On 
one occasion her sister and some friend were at 
her bedside. The friend, inquired, pointing to 
Mrs. Hughes, ^'Who is that?" ^^O," said 
she, ''^ that is our reliable!'' 

The day before the translation of the be- 
loved one, there appeared to be a decided change, 
and her sister remarked, *' Nettie you seem to 
be better." She replied, ** Yes, I think I am — 
but do not build upon it — I do not.''^ The strong 
attraction was evidently now toward the celestial 
— She was looking homeward — and the inspiring 
revelations of heavenly glory which had been 
given her, intensified the desire to depart and 
be with Christ. 

On the evening before her departure, there 
was difficulty in arousing her, but she seemed to 
recognize her friends. Dr. Alday coming to her 
bedside, inquired if she knew him, and she 
answered clearly, *' Yes sir, it is Dr. Alday — you 
know Jesus.'' The doctor, with Mrs. Dr. Currie 
had given her the closest attention. 

From six o'clock in the evening, until next 
morning, when she passed the pearly gates, the 
members of the family and devoted friends, 



42 THE SWEET SINGER, 

watched the gradual ebbing away of her life, 
and at length the struggle was over, and our 
lovely sister had an entrance ministered unto her 
abundantly into the city of the Great King. 

The whole family, and the group of sympa- 
thising friends, who still lingered near the 
stricken form, felt deeply the shock of this 
unlooked-for separation. But, amid their grief 
and flowing tears, they were disposed to ac- 
quiesce calmly in the will of Him who makes no 
mistakes, but **doeth all things well." While 
bowing submissively to the divine behest, they 
were disposed to say. 

*' O may we tread the sacred road, 

That holy saints and martyrs trod ; 
Wage to the end the glorious strife, 
And win like them a crown of life 1 " 



CHAPTER VI. 

A SOLEMN GATHERING WORDS FITLY SPOKEN- 
DEEP IMPRESSIONS. 



For if we believe that yesus died and rose again, even so 
them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him, 
I Thess, iv. : 14, 



** Calm on the bosom of thy God, 
Fair Spirit, rest thee now ! 
E'en while with us thy footsteps trod, 
His seal was on thy brow.*' 

WHEN tidings of the departure of the ** Sweet 
Singer " to her heavenly home, was an- 
nounced from the platform by President 
Stokes, the great congregation was 
deeply affected, and many eyes were wet with 
tears. Prof. Sweney sang one of Nettie's 
favorite pieces, which greatly intensified the 
feeling. 

The tenderest sympathy was manifested on 
every hand toward the bereaved family, for their 



44 THE SWEET SINGER, 

loved one had been cherished for years in the 
hearts of the people who annually sojourned in 
the city by the sea, as they had a high appre- 
ciation of her work for the Saviour. 

In order to avoid any interruption of the 
services of the Camp-meeting it was determined 
to hold the memorial services in St. Paul's 
Church on Monday evening, August 29th. In 
the quiet of the evening a large congregation 
was assembled. 

The services were conducted by Rev. Wil- 
liam Downey, pastor of Green Street Church, 
Philadelphia, with which Church our sister was 
connected. The opening hymn, a favorite of 
the departed, 

** Jesus, Lover of my soul." 

was announced by Rev. D. B. Harris; prayer 
was offered by Rev. W. Walton; the Scriptures 
were read by Rev. Dr. E. M. Levy; and ad- 
dresses were made by Revs. William Downey, 
Dr. E. H. Stokes, and Rev. E. I. D. Pepper. 

Bro. Downey, in opening, said : 

" I have known Nettie Van Name for some years, and 
she always impressed me that she was thoroughly good. 
Her nature was fully evangelized, and all her powers were 
under the dominion of God. With her voice she served 
Him, but so did she with her mind and heart. They talk 



NETTIE VAN NAME. 45 

of a coming time of millennial splendor, when the earth 
shall be full of peace, and the sunshine of joy, when all 
hearts shall love Jesus, and all tongues confess Him their 
Lord and King. But every one's millennium has come 
when all the powers of body, soul, and spirit are conse 
crated to the service of Christ ; when all the nature, as a 
world in miniature, has been evangelized by the power of 
the Spirit. It required only a look into Nettie's happy 
face to discover that already the day of glory was filling 
her whole being. As a worker in the Master's vineyard 
her words had force, for they were backed by a character 
without reproach; a character whose Christliness illustrat- 
ed the transforming and beautifying power of the Gospel 
she preached. It is no wonder her end was so triumphant, 
for a soul accustomed to such nearness to God, how could 
it be otherwise than that she should experience Him 
peculiarly near and precious at the time she was about to 
go to dwell with Him in His home forever. Of course she 
saw glorious sights, and heard entrancing strains. She 
was at the pearly gate of entrance to the heaven of the 
redeemed. She has stepped within and now is forever 
with the Lord." 

Dr. Stokes, in his address, said : *' There has been a 
long preparation, back, back in the years of this precious 
life, a divine preparation, God working together with her 
to bring about the lily-like condition, pure and spotless, 
whiter than snow. More than seven years ago, through 
the agency of the Salvation Army, at Asbury Park, in an 
unexpected way, by unexpected agencies, at an unex- 
pected time, Nettie Van Name then died to sin, and Jesus 
Christ lived and was enthroned in her heart, Jesus Christ 
the first and the last, the Almighty Saviour." 



46 THE SWEET SINGER, 

** Instantly, without conferring with flesh and blood, 
all was laid upon the altar of divine consecration, to spend 
and be spent for Him who had redeemed her, and, be- 
jeweled with all the graces of the Divine Spirit, made 
her in the highest, truest, holiest, purest, richest and 
sublimest sense a daughter of ' the King immortal, in- 
visible, and eternal.' Since then, in company with her 
devoted bosom friend, Mrs. Lidie H. Kenney, she has 
gone forth, with light step, sunlit face, glad heart, tri- 
umphant faith, immortal songs full of Christ, full of love, 
full of heaven, full of her own blessed personality, until 
many, many precious souls — just how many will never 
be known until the revelation of the last day — have been 
brought to a like precious faith, and have either entered 
in, or are on their way to meet and greet her on the 
blessed shore. 

*' What kind of a passing out do you think such a 
one would have ? What kind of a day do you suppose 
her last conscious one on earth was ? Let her tell her 
own story. Sit down quietly in the chamber — quietly if 
you can. Hark ! What is that she says ? 

*' ' On the Rock, in the Rock, and it is all around 
me.'" 

♦"Ishi!"' 

*"0, Thou blessed One !'" 

** ' My longings are contented in Thee, O Lord ! *" 

** ' He hides me in His safe pavilion.' " 

*♦ ' I rest in Thee, O Saviour ! ' " 

And many other like utterances, selected 
from those given on preceding pages. 



NETTIE VAN NAME, 47 

In closing, Dr. Stokes, in the warmth of his 
heart, said : 

And would you call her hence ? Nay, rather, knowing 

Her high and holy state. 
Like lonely outcasts, let us rise and, going, 

Meet her at heaven's gate. 

Forever blest ! How tender there the meeting, 

Where sin has left no trace ! 
Heaven waves its psalms of triumph in the greeting, 

And love has long embrace. 

Patience, sad hearts ! One little night of sorrow. 

Which will so soon be past ; 
Then will break in the glad, eternal morrow. 

And all be yours at last. 

At the time Rev. E. I. D. Pepper arose to 
speak it was late, and he simply referred to the 
circumstances of her conversion, through the 
instrumentality of her beloved sister, Mrs. A. T. 
Hughes, who took her to the Sing Sing camp- 
meeting, with the express purpose of having 
her converted; which was not accomplished, 
however, until, while returning in the cars, she 
was happily saved. He also referred to the 
rapturous type of her experience in late years. 

The services throughout were highly im- 
pressive. Professor Sweney and the choir sang 
some of our dear sister's favorite songs, greatly 
adding to the interest of the occasion. 



48 THE SWEET SINGER, 

After the congregation had viewed the re- 
mains, they were conveyed to Mount Prospect 
Cemetery, contiguous to Ocean Grove, and de- 
posited in the receiving vault as a temporary 
resting place. 

HER LAST RESTING PLACE. 

On Saturday, September 17, Rev. George 
and Mrs. Hughes, Mr. Wm. Van Name and Mrs. 
Kenney met at Elizabeth some friends, and also 
the casket containing the body of our dear de- 
parted sister. 

The undertaker, Mr. Sexton, brought the 
remains from Ocean Grove for interment in 
Evergreen Cemetery, which is in the suburbs of 
Elizabeth, N. J. As the hearse bore the lifeless 
form slowly along the avenue, followed by 
friends, the memorial services seemed to be re- 
peated . 

The cloudless day was only typical of dear 
Nettie's exit from this world. Not a cloud for 
one moment hid her Saviour from her eyes. A 
more beautiful spot in which to lie until the res- 
urrection morning could scarcely be found than 
this selected by her brother and sister as their 
family burial plot. 



NETTIE VAN NAME, 49 

Rev. Dr. E. W. Burr conducted the ser- 
vices at the ground. As the friends stood upon 
what to them now was sacred ground, the blessed 
Holy Ghost, the Divine Comforter, whispered 
the sweet words of Jesus to each sorrowing 
heart, such as, ^'She is not dead, but sleepeth ; " 
We sorrow not as those having no hope ; for the 
Redeemer says, *^I am the resurrection and the 
life." Here they lingered until the grave was 
completed, when Mrs. Hughes and Mrs. Ken- 
ney had the privilege of strewing all over the 
newly laid sods beautiful roses, the gift of her 
beloved nieces. Misses Jennie and Annie P. 
Hughes. To that precious body they said: 

" There, sweet be thy rest 
'Till He bid thee arise, 
To hail Him in triumph 
Descending the skies." 

Several months have passed since the beloved 
one left for eternal glory. Friends have dropped 
the sympathizing tear, and spoken or written the 
tender words of consolation, yet in the hearts of 
the bereaved ones the vacancy still exists. Re- 
turning to her sister's home in Orange, Mrs. 
Kenney could not help contrasting this with a 
former visit, when Nettie occupied the same 
room with her. 



50 THE SWEET SINGER, 

Now the chair was vacant, the bed had lost 
its occupant; the pen, consecrated to God, and 
which was so frequently employed in writing 
letters to friends and relatives, full of salvation, 
urging the unsaved to come to Jesus, was laid 
down; the instrument which she could touch 
with such ease, and render the sweetest and most 
soul-stirring music, was silent : the voice, so full 
of holy enthusiasm and unction, which sang sal- 
vation down into the very hearts of the people, 
was hushed, but can never be forgotten. So 
frequently she said, *' though you may forget the 
singer, don*t forget the song." 

Surely they can never forget the beaming 
countenance, so full of sunshine, and her eyes so 
lustrous, especially when singing *'Ishi,'* **The 
Lord is My Shepherd,'' and scores of other bap- 
tized hymns. 

Let us follow her as she followed Christ. 
Let her triumphant departure inspire our faith 
and courage, and stimulate us to greater dili- 
gence in the Master's service. 



CHAPTER VII. 

LOVING TRIBUTES FROM MANY FRIENDS COMFORT- 
ING AND HOPEFUL WORDS. 



" The memory of the just is blessed,'' Prov. x. : 7. 



'* O happy, happy soul ! 
In ecstacies of praise, 
Long as eternal ages roll, 

Thou seest thy Saviour's face. 

SINCE the translation of **The Sweet Singer/* 
numerous letters have been sent to her 
sister, and to Mrs. Kenney, of a tender 
and appreciative character. Limited space 
forbids their insertion entire. We can only give 
extracts therefrom: 

*Rev. John Thompson, Philadelphia. — I think of dear 
Nettie every day, and greatly miss her. But our loss is 
her infinite gain. I think so much of the heavenly home 
to which she has gone, that I have not shed a tear over 
her departure. If there were any tears in heaven, I have 
no doubt but she would weep that we are still left in this 



52 THE SWEET SINGER, 

sinful world. Her removal is a great loss to us and to 
the Church. She is one of the sweet spirits that we can 
never forget. But she is so much better off that I cannot 
shed a tear on account of her removal. At my age I 
may be the first one of our company to go and meet 
her. Her death has, I think, influenced many hearts to 
draw nearer to Jesus. People call at the office and talk of 
her blessed memory. ** She being dead, yet speaketh." 

Rev. A.Wallace, D.D., Editor of the Ocean Grove Record, 



A V^ORKER PROMOTED. 

" The seraphic spirit of Miss Nettie Van Name ascended 
from Ocean Grove, on Friday morning, August 26, to be 
** forever with the Lord," and however keen the bereave- 
ment, her friends and fellow laborers left behind are con- 
strained to say : *' Amen, so let it be." For a number of 
years she has been the beloved associate in evangelistic 
work of Mrs. Lidie H. Kenney. Together they have 
toiled in the vineyard and reaped many a rich harvest of 
souls converted and sanctified by the power of divine 
grace. She came to the Grove, as has been her custom, 
every year, to rest a little and help on the work of salva- 
tion if her failing strength should hold out ; but it seems 
to have been God's plan for her — one in which she 
acquiesced with all her heart — that this place, so dear to 
her by a thousand hallowed associations, should be the 
point of her departure for a place still more dear — her 
home and mansion in '' The Father's house above." How 
she used to sing about heaven, and tell how the precious 
blood prepares for an inheritance among the saints in 
light ! She was a charming singer, powerful in prayer, 



NETTIE VAN NAME. 53 

eloquent in pleading with souls, and successful to a 
marked degree in leading them to God. Her companion, 
Mrs. Kenney, is most disconsolate, but to her and our- 
selves the glory land possesses another and stronger 
attraction to keep us in the way, and following on. Nettie 
died at the summer home of her sister, Mrs. Rev. George 
Hughes. The funeral services, held on Monday after- 
noon, August 29, crowded St. Paul's Church. Dr. Stokes 
made the principal address, the best part of which was 
the repetition of the last expressions which fell from the 
lips of the dying girl in relation to her glorious hope, and 
perfect resignation and joy in the will of God, and her 
prospect beyond the river. The hymns she loved were 
sung around the casket which contained all that was 
mortal of this pure and zealous follov^rer of the Lamb. 
Nothing more suitable could she have desired than to be 
translated at a camp-meeting — and that the greatest ever 
held at Ocean Grove, for the displays of saving and sanc- 
tifying grace — and spread her wings for the upward 
shining way, wafted by such songs and shouting as told 
the glorious final victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

From D. B. Updegraff (of the Society of Friends.) 
— *' Our beloved sister, Nettie Van Name, has left us for 
a more congenial clime. She was too frail a flower for 
the rude blasts of the earth. Her presence in a meeting 
was always an inspiration; her triumphant testimonies, 
and the notes of praise that she sang were of the highest 
order. When under special anointings of the Spirit, it 
would seem as though her full heart must break with 
joyfulness and love. We often feared for the earthen 
vessel, and sometimes suggested a little carefulness. 
But she was immortal *till her work was done, and she 



54 THE SWEET SINGER, 

has simply followed where He has led her. She often 
said and sang that she would, and she did. When at 
Mountain Lake Park, in July last, she sang " Ishi " with 
thrilling effect, and told us she was even then ** on her 
wedding tour with the Bridegroom of her soul." To 
some this seemed rather extravagant, but it was truly 
prophetic, as well as very real to her enraptured spirit. 
Her radiant and beautiful life was triumphant; her en- 
trance could be no other than abundant. Her bereaved 
ones must find sweetest consolation in knowing that she 
has already been presented before the throne, "perfect 
in Christ Jesus.'* We would, with other friends, place a 
flower on the casket that contains the sacred dust in loving 
remembrance of the one who has gone to be crowned. 

Rev. Joseph H. Smith, North Indianapolis, Ind. — 
There is no need of eulogy to Sister Nettie. She never 
waated it while she lived, and now she is far beyond it. 

It is not for us to inquire why God removed her so 
soon, but rather for us to wonder and adore at the use 
He made of her the little while she lived. But for full 
SALVATION what would we have ever known of Sister Nettie 
Van Name? Frail, modest, retiring creature, she would 
have lived unknown to all but her circle of personal friends 
— and died, sooner, maybe, than she did, without notice 
beyond the domestic mourning and the words the preacher 
is apt to speak at an average Christian's funeral. 

But how different it all is from this. Scores of homes 
miss her as a sister gone. The Lord's ' * Thundering 
Legion" miss a soldier from their ranks. A Miriam is gone 
with her music and sweet songs, and another of the 
Lord's handmaidens weeps the departure of a yoke- 
fellow. One is taken, the other left a little while. 



NETTIE VAN NAME, 55 

Yet, no one weeps for Nettie. We weep rather for 
ourselves. But all who knew her think instantly of rap- 
ture when they think of her departure. She was not a 
preacher, but a singer, and somehow, we cannot disasso- 
ciate her from song. 

Frailty and weariness no longer hamper her. Friends, 
no doubt, have welcomed her, and together they have 
sung their home-gathering anthem, about the throne of 
the Lamb. Other friends are following on to join her; 
some who would never been on the way but for having 
seen the guide-board in her life. Others with whom she 
fellowshipped in Christian service; all to learn better what 
that means, which she would often sing while with us, 
and which she is demonstrating now. 

" Then, in a nobler, sweeter song. 

We'll sing thy power to save ; 
When this poor lisping, stammering tongue, 

Lies silent in the grave." 

Dr. Dougan Clark, Richmond, Ind. — (To Mrs. Ken- 
ney). — Thy card does grieve my heart by its sad tidings. 
It is, indeed, a surprise, and in some sense a shock, but 
O, to think of dear Nettie's gain ! 

The blessed saint, how glad I am that she came to 
Silver Heights, and saw her brother. Well, there was 
more of heaven than earth about her, even while here. 
Little did I think when I parted from her at Cincinnati 
that it would be the last time I should clasp her hand. 
Is Christ really gathering His saints more rapidly than 
usual ? And is it a sign that Himself is coming soon ? 
The Lord bless thee, for I regard thee as chief mourner. 
The poor, lovely, frail flower, I suppose, just wilted in 
the extreme heat. Everybody loved her, and Jesus most 
of all, so that He has taken her to be with Him forever. 



56 THE SWEET SINGER, 

Miss Lizzie M. Boyd, Wheeling, W. Va. — Our Net- 
tie is at rest, and at home. What a shock it was to me, as 
I opened the Standard yesterday and read it. Precious 
spirit, how we all loved her ! I can scarce realize it to be 
true, that she is no more ; that I shall never see her again 
this side the pearly gates. I have done little but weep 
since I knew of it, and pray for you. Nettie has passed 
away, but her work is not done, her life will repeat itself 
on and on. Her voice of song will live on and on." 
Though in the very presence of her '"' Ishi'^ we hear her 
sing yet. 

Dear Lidie Kenney how bereft she will be. I feel so 
sorry for her. Yes, Nettie is gone, and you are left. 
How my heart aches for you. God is with you and I 
know you triumph in Him. 

Rev. C. a. Van Anda, D.D., Indianapolis, Ind. — 
(To Mrs. Kenney). — Sister Nettie impressed me with the 
thought, that to her Jesus had fulfilled His words: " That 
my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be 
full. 

Seldom, if ever, have I met a person who seemed, 
while in the world, to be so entirely above it, walking 
with Jesus, and having her conversation in heaven. 

With perfect distinctness, memory brings to me her 
sweet songs, especially the hymn commencing: 

"Vain, delusive world, adieu." 
Also the chorus: 

"I'll go with thee, all the way." 

Rev. T. H. Haynes, Felton, Del. — About seven 
years ago, during a series of religious meetings at 
Newark, Del., in which Sister Kenney was assisting me. 



NETTIE VAN NAME, 57 

I made Nettie's acquaintance. She came to take charge 
of the singing, and here, for the first time, did she ad- 
dress an audience on the subject of religion, and enter 
regularly into the work of an evangelist. 

On three occasions since has she (in connection with 
Sister Kenney) been with me in revival services. How 
successful have all these meetings been. Hundreds have 
been converted, and many, many, have been led to a 
closer walk with God. How many have been moved 
to seek salvation through her singing the gospel, no one 
can tell. With a strong, full, sweet and distinct voice, 
with a radiant face and an impressive soul, her gospel 
in meter would ring through the souls of her hearers. 

Her gentle, affectionate and whole-souled manner won 
at once the confidence of the people, and breaking down 
all prejudice, gave her a clear way of approach to their 
hearts. Everybody loved Sister Nettie. And she was 
every way worthy of their love. A more devout, gentle, 
pure and thoroughly consecrated soul I never saw, to 
my knowledge. 

Her faith was unquestioning and childlike in its sim- 
plicity, but strong as the strength of her Redeemer, for 
His strength was the limit of her confidence in Him. She 
stood squarely upon His promises, and her confidence 
was never shaken. 

Rev. Henry Thompson, Odessa, Del. (To Mrs. 
Kenney.) — Since learning of the death of Sister Nettie, 
my thoughts have turned repeatedly to you, in sympathy 
and prayerfulness, and backward to the days so full of 
pleasant fellowships and blessed influences which she 
and you spent in our home. The memories of her bright, 
happy face, her sweet songs, "Ishi" and ** I shall be 



58 THE SWEET SINGER, 

satisfied," prominent among them; her prayers, so full of 
childlike confidence in God ; her victorious testimonies 
and thrilling appeals in the meetings will never fade 
from my mind and heart. 

Her presence in our home was a benediction, and 
her ascension makes the thought and anticipation of 
heaven all the brighter. Down on my face, before God, I 
have promised to meet her there. I was sick when I first 
learned of her death, but I felt for you in your bereave- 
ment, and have remembered you in prayer, that the 
everlasting arms would fold you closer than ever, and 
the Comforter blessedly heal the wound of your heart. 
I have penned the lines, which I send you, as I have 
thought of your great sorrow. May the precious peace of 
God dwell richly in your heart. 

Rev. J. A. Brindell, Cordova, Md. — I thank God 
Sister Nettie crossed my path on her way to heaven, and 
I thank you for uniting her in your great work of saving 
souls. If you had not I should not have met her. 

Mr. a. W. Dennett, New York. — It is a blessed 
consideration to know that all her sufferings are past, 
and that she has entered into the glory of her Master. 
Her record is on high, and her reward will be great at 
the resurrection of the just. Yes, many times have I 
thought of that last morning's parting at Mt. Lake. It is 
a very sweet and precious memory to my heart. I am 
truly thankful for my brief acquaintance and friendship 
with our loved Nettie. 

Mrs. a. W. Dennett, New \ ork. — I have lived to see 
that God is never so good as when He seems most severe. 
Happy Nettie ! I miss her ; I miss her letters ; I miss the 



NETTIE VAN NAME, 59 

thoughts of her. She engendered bright, cheery thoughts. 
She had a keen eye to see, and a heart to love and sym- 
pathize. She was so sincere, and no one could help feel- 
ing it was so. Her friendship was a great gift to me. 
Such a friend ; such a comforter ! She had so much 
brightness, so much intelligence. She had a heart fitted 
for friendship, and had friends who could appreciate 
her. To me there was an unspeakable charm about her ; 
so simple, so truthful and childlike. It is wonderful, the 
place she found in my heart. Dear Nettie ! I hope to 
pass eternity with her. O, I believe we shall ! 

" And if, through patient toil we reach the land 
Where tired feet, with sandals loosed, may rest ; 

When we shall clearly know and understand, 
I think that we will say God knew best." 

Mrs. E. E. Williams, Roodhouse, III. — She has only 
gone to join the " Ishi," the *' Husband of her soul." and 
is now singing in the immediate presence of the Heavenly 
Bridegroom, Shall we not say together, " Praise the 
Lord," and believe that she joins us ? Yet, O, how sad 
you must be. Even I can scarcely see the lines on my 
paper for the tears that will come. Well, dear, these 
are not sinful tears, we know, for even the Master 
** wept "over the grave of one He loved. I was not sur- 
prised at the news, for I thought at Mount Lake Park 
that her tiny body was too frail to hold long such a soul 
as hers. How you will miss her. Indeed, we shall all 
miss her, but there is joy in the thought that while her 
songs will be heard no more among us here, heaven's 
music is just that much sweeter. 

She '* rests from her labors, and her works do follow 
her." 

5 



60 THE SWEET SINGER, 

O, those tender broken ties, 
How they dim our aching eyes, 
But, like jewels, they will shine 
In the morning. 

When our victor palms we bear, 
And our robes immortal wear, 
We shall know each other there 
In the morning. 

Miss Mo J. Sheridan, Greencastle, Ind. — Nettie is 
not dead ! Only gone from you ; her infiuence lives. I 
know of no one with whom so slightly acquainted whose 
death so affected me, I shall never forget her or the good 
she did mCe 

Mrs. Anna Dawson Hopkins, Frederica, Del.- If 
there are angels in heaven surely Nettie is one. O, how 
I miss her letters ! It did my soul good to receive them. 
It breaks my heart to think I shall never see her again on 
earth. I will try to meet her in heaven, by the grace 
of God. 

Miss Clara Boyd, Philadelphia, Pa. — Hearing of 
Nettie's death was a very great blow to us all. I feel as 
if I had lost my sister. I know it will not be long ere we 
shall all meet again. Thank God for the glorious pros- 
pect. All day Sunday I thought I could see Nettie with 
her father, mother, and Jesus by her side, surrounded by 
all the heavenly host. I thought her spirit was with me, 
and could hear her sing, 

" Salvation in Jesus ! I've got it, IVe got it ! " 

Mrs. Mary Vickers, Frederica, Del. — I have 
praised the Lord for five years that I ever saw Sister 
Nettie. The first time I saw her was in our church five 
years ago, and her shining face made me hungry for her 



NETTIE VAN NAME, 61 

experience. She told me to bring all the tithes into the 
storehouse, etc. Well, I did as she told me, and the 
windows of heayen were opened, and I received such a 
blessing that I felt as if I needed a larger capacity. 

Robert Turner, Esq., Baltimore, Md.: 

house of many mansions, 
Thy doors are open wide. 

And dear are all the faces 

Upon the other side ; 
Thy portals they are golden, 

And those who enter in 
Shall know no more of sorrow, 

Of weariness, or sin. 

Thy walks are not of marble, 
O house not built with hands ; 

1 sigh for thee while waiting 
Within these border lands. 

I know that but in dying 

Thy threshold is crossed o'er; 

There shall be no morrow 
In thy forevermore. 

Mrs. Mary Grant Cramer, (Sister of Gen. Grant). 

Nettie's Last Night, 

It came early, for the soul of fire was enshrined in a 
delicate casket. The dear little pilgrim saw so much to 
do for her Master, and for the hungry souls that looked 
up to her for the bread of life, that she could not fold her 
hands and remain inactive, unless overcome with pain 



62 THE SWEET SINGER, 

and weakness ; even then she could engage in the sacred 
ministry of prayer for those to whom she longed to carry 
the glad tidings of salvation. 

Dear Nettie's joyous, soulful look, and impressive 
Christian testimony, inclined me to single her out in an 
audience, where first I saw her, as one upon whom the 
Lord had bestowed rich spiritual blessings, and I quickly 
learned to love her. 

But one sad night last August, I, with other friends, 
hovered around the bedside of the unconscious saint, 
whose labored breathing indicated that the sands of her 
life had almost run out. 

I thought then with great satisfaction of how well she 
had builded during her short lifetime ; gold, silver and 
precious stones were the material she used, and many 
are the trophies she can lay at her Saviour's feet when He 
comes to make up His jewels. 

These, I thought, as the dear one passed away, are 
all that is worth living for, and her last night on earth 
has given place to an eternal day. Praise the Lord I 

Rev. T. B. Tabler. — With other friends I join in 
placing a token of tender regard and love upon the grave 
of our departed yet triumphant Sister Nettie. It has 
been difficult for the writer to realize that she is gone. 
Our loss has enriched heaven, and its music is sweeter 
since she joined its chorus of glad hallelujahs. 

" Ishi," the hymn of her heart, has now a larger re- 
alization, though very real while here. That is the last 
song I remember to have heard her sing. While singing 
it heaven seemed nearer, as her enraptured spirit blended 
with the sweet accents as they fell from lips divinely 
anointed. 



NETTIE VAN NAME. 63 

It was September, 1890, that Sisters Nettie and Lidie 
Kenney came to Burrsville, Md., to help in the service 
of the Lord. For six weeks, in prayer, testimony, ex- 
hortation and song, Nettie helped in this work of the 
Lord, and tears and shouts, until over one hundred were 
converted to God, and many entirely sanctified. 

Then, again, in the autumn of 1891, Sister Nettie 
again joined us, with Sisters Kenney and Lizzie Smith, 
in a ten days* Pentecostal service. A great victory was 
won. Our Sister in prayer, humble, fervent and confident, 
had access to the throne, and answers came in blessing 
upon those for whom they were invoked. 

Her testimony was always helpful. It was clear 
and joyous, often melting a whole audience to tears. 
Her experience of justification, regeneration and entire 
sanctification was made so plain that many hitherto con- 
fused, saw their privilege, and entered Beulah at once. 

Sister Nettie*s greatest endowment was in song. Her 
singing in the unction of the Holy One carried and fixed the 
conviction of the Gospel truth in many hearts who, to-day 
are walking in newness of life, because of the songs of this 
divinely anointed and "Sweet Singer" of the Kingdom. 

Henry C. Laub, Denison, Iowa. — I was surprised 
at Nettie's sudden departure, but was not made des- 
pondent, because I know that she was prepared to 
meet God. She was a great favorite wherever known, 
and will be greatly missed by the workers of our 
Heavenly Father. 

Miss Ella Gardiner, Louisville Normal School, 
Ky. — I am so glad now that I was permitted to be with 
Nettie so long this summer. I thought while with her 
she had a feverish energy. 



64 THE SWEET SINGER, 

I cannot realize her death, although it was not 
wholly unexpected to me, as she has been so delicate 
this summer. Who can take her place ? 

Mr. Conners and Mrs. Day, and all the friends here 
had learned to love her, and send words of condolence in 
your bereavement. 

Everything that has come out in the paper concern- 
ing her life and death has been eagerly devoured. We 
keep looking for something from you concerning her. 

Rev. J. B. Foote, Sodus, N. Y. — It is sad to me that 
Nettie Van Name is gone, though I met her but sel- 
dom. I always saw heaven shining in her face. lam 
sure thousands are feeling now a sense of loss, as 
though a particular and favorite star had suddenly been 
missed from the sky. 

But still her shining remains ; that smile lingers ; 
those sweet and happy tones in song are making music 
still in many hearts. Her charming features, so much 
lighted up by the Spirit within, will brighten long her 
memory in thousands of hearts. 

And such an immortality on high ! Personal with 
the personal Christ, her Savioui, and in all the glory of 
the Christian'^ own heaven. How many reasons, after 
all, for singing hallelujah still. 

Miss Lois L. Smith, of Ocean Grove, a 
warm and intimate friend, says: 

'* Nettie's departure was so sudden, so entirely un- 
looked for by me, that whenever I attempt to make it 
real, I am reminded of the language of the Psalmist, " I 
w^as dumb because thou didst it." The last time I saw her, 
she was the only occupant of an omnibus that was being 



NETTIE VAN NAME, 65 

driven at a rapid rate on Main Avenue to the Asbury 
Park railroad station. Her face beamed with smiles and 
merriment as the "bus" swayed and tossed her from 
side to side. She waved her hand to me as we passed 
and, in answer to my query, "Are you going away?'* 
She replied, " No, coming back ! " I could not have had 
a more characteristic picture of her left on my memory, 
and if I was called to put in a few words, the sum of our 
dear Nettie's characteristics, as she appeared to me, I 
should say, as she used to sing, '''Her spirit was free'' 
As we mingle in our circle of social prayer, I shall doubt- 
less more fully realize that she is indeed gone from our 
sight. But I think I shall never forget the waving hand, 
the happy face, the merry tones of that wayside salute, 
on that bright midsummer morning : " No ; coming back ! " 
and to me she will be always coming back. They that 
sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him when He comes, 
they also will " ' come back.' " 

These heart-felt expressions were highly appre- 
ciated by the bereaved friends, and very comforting. 

These testimonials might be almost indefinitely 
multiplied. And it is very grateful to surviving 
friends to recognize the fact that this beloved one 
had such a deep enshrinement in the hearts of so 
many who were the Lord's elect ones, who are 
known throughout the land as His most approved 
workers. 

A poetical tribute entitled ' ' Consolation, ' * written 
by an aged mother in Israel, Mrs. M. A. Whittaker, 
and set to music by Dr. Gilmour, must be given here : 



(^oxiHolntion. 



M, 



Dedicated to the relatives and friends of onr late sister Nettie Van Name- 
'* Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted,"— Jesus. 
A. Whitaker. H. L. Gilmour. 




1. 'Tis thy own voice in tender pit - y fall- ing, Soft - ly and 

2. Dark is our path, we grasp thy hand for leading, Thou hast the 

3. SaviourandFriend, our weakness on thee leaning, Thine is the 



i=fc?=:r 




low, O Comforter di- vine; Voice of thy love, to ns so 
light whereby alone we see; We can- not tell, but thou dost 
strength that will the burden bear; Kind are thy ways, could we but 






^—0 



-^: 



^ ^. 



#.• -^ 



-^ 









I 



l3^ 



-^2- 



-^ 



:^ 



1 



l^-tjtSz^: 



gent- ly call- ing, Bidding us rest our bruised hearts in thine, 
own our needing, So we resign oursel ves, our all to thee, 
read their meaning, Did we but trust thy ev- er watchful care. 



m 



H 



3*; S: ♦ 



S.'. 



^ 



cs: 



■^ — s?- 



t5>- 



1 



Copyright, 1892» by H. L. Gilmour. 



4 Thou, too, hast wept such tears as we are weeping, 

Sharing on earth our human grief and pain ; 
Bowed o'er the grave where thy beloved lay sleeping, 
Help us we pray, all other help is vain. 

5 Deep in thy heart our fears and sorrows hiding, 

Shelter us safely thro' these hours of woe ; 
There, dearest Lord, in lowly faith abiding. 
Rest may we find, and truest comfort know. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

THE POWER OF HOLY SONG. THE GOSPEL SUNG 

IN SWEETNESS AND UNCTION. 



* *As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be 
there ; all my springs are in thee,'* Psa. Ixxxvii. : 7. 



*' Praise the God of our salvation ; 

Hosts on high, His power proclaim ; 
Heaven and earth, and all creation. 
Laud and magnify His name." 

^^HE power of holy song has been recognized 

I in the Church of God in all ages. God 

^ has designed to have a people full of praise. 

One of old, writes: "" The joy of the Lord 

is your strength.'* In Old Testament history 

we have some inspiring records. 

After the passage of Israel through the Red 
Sea, and Pharaoh and his hosts had been 
drowned in the depths thereof, Moses and the 
children of Israel sang a triumphal song, saying, 



68 THE SWEET SINGER, 

'*I will sing unto the Lord, for He hath 
triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider 
hath He thrown into the sea. The Lord is my 
strength and song, and He is become my salva- 
tion. And Miriam, the prophetess, the sister of 
Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the 
women went out after her with timbrels and 
with dances. And Miriam answered them, " Sing 
ye to the Lord, for He hath triumphed 
gloriously. '* 

But it has been reserved for the New Testa- 
ment Church to give the noblest illustrations of 
the power of song. Christianity was born in 
holy song. A multitude of the heavenly host, 
in loftv strains, celebrated the advent of the 
Redeemer. 

In these modern days, this arm of the 
Christian service is revealing more and more of 
its strength. The great revival of Bible Holi- 
ness has given a mighty stimulus in this respect. 
The songs that have had birth, under these 
auspices, are pure and lofty, and are being sung 
round the globe. 

At Ocean Grove, which has become a great 
Jerusalem-gathering of God's people in summer, 
a large chorus choir occupies the platform, 
under the direction of Prof. John R. Sweney, 



NETTIE VAN NAME, 69 

and the new and stirring songs sweep through 
the consecrated grove with marvelous effect. 
And ^* the players on instruments/' who are 
there, heighten the effect. 

** Pitman Grove " is now recognized as one 
of the most spiritual Camp-meetings in the 
country. For some years past, David B. Upde- 
graff has been the leader, and ^*the power of 
the Lord has been present to heal." On the 
platform, at each service. Prof. H. L. Gilmour 
is seen, surrounded by a choir of sweet singers, 
who, in lofty strains, praise the Lord, the King. 

Mountain Lake Park, Md., of which fre- 
quent mention is made in previous chapters, is 
beautiful for situation, and noted for Pentecos- 
tal revelations. It is under the direction of 
Bros. Updegraff and Thompson, and thither the 
workers resort with sacred joy, receive new com- 
munications from the throne, and then scatter 
east, west, north and south to other gatherings 
in the tented grove. 

These were favorite resorts of Sister Nettie, 
from year to year, and her presence was always 
hailed with delight. Her sweet notes, mingling 
with the cheerful songs of these occasions, 
increased the melody, sending up to heaven offer- 
ings of praise that were acceptable unto the Lord. 



70 THE SWEET SINGER, 

Reference is made in preceding pages to 
choice songs that she was wont to sing. When- 
ever a new music book was issued, her practised 
eye ran over the pages, and she soon discovered 
what was /'the finest of the wheat," and at 
once used it in her work for Jesus. Her full 
consecration embraced, especially, the vow to 
sing for Jesus only. Hence, all through her 
evangelistic course, the hymns that were fullest 
of Jesus and His love, were most frequently 
employed. This being the central thought and 
theme, it was not wonderful that human hearts 
were so greatly moved. 

** Jesus, harmonious name, 
It charms the hosts above ; 
They evermore proclaim. 
And wonder at His love." " 

If time and space would allow us to run 
over the list of favorite selections, which Sister 
Nettie kept near by her, it would be seen how 
*' All the way along it was Jesus." ** The Lily 
of the Valley," '' I've been redeemed, '^ '' I shall 
be satisfied," beginning: 

" When I shall awake in that fair morn of morns, 
After whose dawning never night returns, 
And with whose glory day eternal burns, 
I shall be satisfied." 



NETTIE VAN NAME, 71 

** Where He leads I will follow," ** His yoke is 
easy, His burden light, — I find it so.'* ** I'll live 
for Him." &c. 

These had the ring of heaven about them, 
as she sang, for the singing was ever accom- 
panied by a heart full of love and a shining face. 

Recently, a very stirring song has come to 
the front, which was often sung by her with 
indescribable effect : 

*' I have anchored my soul in the haven of rest,** &c. 

^^Beulah Land," and ^^I'm a child of the 
King, " as rendered by her were of precious effect. 
All who had not passed over into *^the land of 
corn and wine and oil," the ** Canaan of perfect 
love, " had a marching inspiration put upon 
them as they listened to the soul-moving stanzas 
of ^' jBeulah Land,'' And when the full compass 
of the thought, *'/ am a child of the King^^' — 
(not A King, but *'^ The King'' ^ was appre- 
hended, as the song was sung by *'The Sweet 
Singer," the great millionaires of earth, and 
their palatial residences, dwindled into becom- 
ing insignificance. Many have heard her sing the 
stanza, with her full soul thrown into it : 



THE SWEET SINGER, 



'* A tent, or a cottage, why should I care ? 

They are building a palace for me over there! 
Tho' exiled from home, yet still I can sing 
All glory to God, I'm a child of The King.** 

But the piece which our dear sister has sung 
frequently of late, **Ishi,"has been very full 
of interest. It is based upon Hosea, 2: 16: 
^* And it shall beat that day, saith the Lord, that 
thou shalt call me Ishi; (That is. My husband)^ 
and shalt call me no more Baali," (That is, My 
lord). 

The occasion which gave rise to this song 
is worthy of note. Sister Lizzie Boyd was about 
to preach at Mountain Lake Park. She called 
Nettie to her, and said she had a piece that she 
would like her to sing before she preached, if 
she could set a tune to it. She went out into 
the grove and thought of it, and finally selected 
the old, familiar tune of Bartimeus and sang it 
as requested, and the congregation was com- 
pletely melted thereby. Afterwards Dr. H. L. 
Gilmour arranged it w^th other music, and dedi- 
cated it to Sister Nettie. 

The reader will be gratified to see the song 
in full in this connection: 



"ISHI." 




Dedicated to Miss NETTIE VAN NAME. 

Adapted by H. L. Gilmour. Bartimeus. 



Oh, my heart 
I - Shi, I - 



-f^- 



'^- 



(^ 



p3i- 



■^ 



t 



^■ 



:ji3-_^ 



► — & — #- 






:^: 



1. Oh, my heart is full of laughter, I am ver - y ver - y glad; 

2. I - shi, I - shi, is the jew- el, Mine He is while a - ges roll, 

3. Ma - ny beauteous names Thou bearest, Brother, Shepherd, Friend and King, 

4. 0th - er joys are short and fleet-ing Thou and 1 can nev - er part, 

Cho. — Wilt thou have this pre-cious "I-shi,'^ Bridegroom of thy soul to be; 






.1 1 L 



^fxgirJ: 



t 









-ft—a- 



-=i: 



F 






I ^ DAJ. (J ho. 



-L L_i^ ^. 



For I have a pre-cious treasure. Such as prin-ces nev- er had. 
An - gels taste not of such glo - ry Ho - ly I - shi of the soul. 
But they none un - to my spir- it Such di- vine sup- port can bring. 
Thou art al - to- geth - er love- ly, I - shi, I - shi, of my heart. 
He the fair- est of ten-thousand, Waits in love to wel-c^me thee. 

I _ _ _ ^ . B.C. Cho. 

M ^ M 

Copyright, 1890, by H. L. Gilmour. I 

5 In Thy own fair realms of glory, 
In the holiest above 

Choirs of angels chant the story 

Of the wondrous matchless love. — Cho. 

6 All my longings are contented, 
All my wanderings turn to Thee, 

Polestar of my restless spirit; 
Ishi, all in all to me. — Cho. 

7 When the sun of life is setting, 
When the shades of evening fall, 

When upon hfe^s fairest vision 

Cometh darkness, like a pall. — Cho. 

8 Then, Oh Ishi, well beloved ! 
I shall see Thy glorious face. 

Finding on Thy loving bosom, 
My eternal resting place. — Cho. 



74 THE SWEET SINGER, 



When at home, our sister had to give her 
vocal powers almost entire rest. But, occa- 
sionally, she would sit down at the organ and 
play and sing some of her pleasant songs. When 
her fingers moved over the keys of an instru- 
ment, piano or organ, it became instinct with 
life, and was attuned to the hallelujah pitch. 

One of the beautiful hymns that she delighted 
to sing, was, 

** How sweet the name of Jesus sounds, 
In a believer's ear ! 
It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds, 
And drives away his fear." 

And as she proceeded from stanza to stanza 
her soul seemed to take on an intenser glow. 
The fourth verse giving the precious relations of 
Christ to the believer, was sung with exceeding 
pathos : 

*' Jesus, my Shepherd, Saviour, Friend. 
My Prophet, Priest and King, 
My Lord, my Life, my Way, my End, 
Accept the praise I bring." 

When she came to the end of the third line 
she would pause for a moment, and then put 
great emphasis upon the last line — 

" Accept the praise I bring." 



NETTIE VAN NAME, 75 



And when the last verse was reached, her 

whole nature was thrown into it : 

" I would Thy boundless love proclaim, 
With every fleeting breath ; 
So shall the music of Thy name 
Refresh my soul in death.'* 

And the music of that charming name did 
refresh her soul in death. 

In these days of quiet and rest Nettie would 
at times call her nieces to her at the organ and 
have them join in some of the blessed songs of 
the kingdom. 

When it was learned that our sister was in 
Orange, the ladies of the W. C. T. U. urged 
her to conduct services in their hall, and the 
'^ Epworth League" sought her help, but she 
could not accept many of these invitations. 
But when she did, her testimonies were in the 
unction of the Spirit, and her songs also. 

*'The Lord of the harvest was so well 
pleased with jche songs of the young evangelist 
in the harvest field, that He promoted her, 
enlarged her sphere, and invested her with new 
powers. In the last year or two of her life, more 
especially, our sister was anointed so that she 
had touches of prophetic power. It was prophe- 
sied by the prophet Joel, that in the last days, 

6 



76 THE SWEET SINGER, 

the gospel days, the Spirit should be poured out 
upon the daughters and the hand-maidens, and 
they should prophesy. The fulfilment of this 
prophecy is being manifested. Nettie realized 
it. The frail and timid one, naturally, under 
the anointing of the Spirit, would go into the 
altar and give her testimony, accompanied by 
one of the songs of the kingdom, and the effect 
was overwhelming. 

Now, our dear sister has had another and 
a higher promotion. She used to sing some- 
times, ^' What will it be to he there V Now she 
knows, up to her full redeemed capacity, what 
it is to be there. She has become acquainted 
with harps and harpers, and the lofty strains 
proceeding from their harps. She has had an 
honorable admission to the great choir of im- 
mortality, and she joins with them in singing, 
** the song of Moses and of the Lamb." 



CHAPTER IX. 

A FEW PRACTICAL LESSONS AND CLOSING RE- 
FLECTIONS. 



A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and 
loving favor rather than silver and gold. '' — Prov. xxii : I, 



** Rest from thy labor, rest, 
Soul of the just, set free ! 
Blest be Thy memory, and blest 
Thy bright example be ! '* 

WE have but imperfectly sketched the life of 
^' The Sweet Singer, and her seven years' 
work for Jesus," we must wait for eter- 
nity to tell the full story. We cannot, 
however, close this narrative without drawing 
a few practical lessons therefrom, which the 
luminous records before us so clearly teach. 
And the first lesson that strikes our attention at 
once is, The beauty and power of entire devotion to 
the service of Christ. The full consecration to 



78 THE SWEET SINGER, 

Christ which was reached in the humble 
''Barracks" of the '^Salvation Army" in Asbury 
Park, was the turning point in the life of our 
dear sister. Up to that time she had been, like 
thousands of others in the Church, pursuing 
'^ the even tenor of her way," and was a faithful 
attendant upon the means of grace, but never 
actively engaged in the vineyard of the Lord. 
But from the time of her full espousals to Christ 
her life was totally changed, and she entered 
upon a career of varied and ever- widening 
activities. She became, in a remarkable degree, 
a soul- winner, going out to gather gems for her 
Saviour's diadem. And so far from shrinking 
from an acknowledgment of the instrumentality 
through which these spiritual results had been 
wrought, it was a real joy to her to declare, on 
all suitable occasions, her indebtedness to *'The 
Salvation Army " therefor. She cherished for 
those noble warriors in The King's service, a 
true regard, and in her last hours their names 
were upon her lips, and more than once she said, 
** The Salvation Army, The Salvation Army !'' 

2. We see in this beautiful life how much full 
salvation can do for the body as well as for the soul. 
Observe, it is full salvation of which we write, 
for soul and body, for the whole being, begin- 



NETTIE VAN NAME. 79 

ning in entire heart purity produced by the ap- 
plication of the all-cleansing blood of Jesus, and 
connected therewith the baptism with the Holy 
Ghost, and His constant indwelling in the believ- 
ing heart. A marvelous salvation, truly ! Such 
a salvation was realized when Nettie brought all 
the tithes into the storehouse and received the 
Pentecostal enduement. She had a frail consti- 
tution, and on no other ground than the recep- 
tion of constant communications of divine 
strength by the indwelling Spirit, can we 
account for the arduous labors through which 
she passed during the eventful seven years of her 
evangelistic career. When she returned home 
after a winter's campaign, she was thoroughly 
exhausted, and was subject to hemorrhages 
which often alarmed her friends. And yet she 
possessed great recuperative power, and would 
rise from these depressing circumstances with 
new vigor, and go forth anew to her loved 
employ. Frequent baptisms of the Holy Ghost, 
in connection with fresh inflowings of the health 
currents, set her on her feet, and sent her forth 
with superhuman energy to minister in holy 
things. 

An instance of this astonishing anointing 
for service, just now comes to remembrance. 



80 THE SWEET SINGER, 

The ** New Jersey Conference Holiness Associa- 
tion*' was conducting '* Four Days of Pentecos- 
tal Services " in Pemberton, N. J. Our dear 
sister greatly desired to be there, but she was 
so feeble that it was thought almost presump- 
tion for her to go. She concluded, however, 
to make the venture, leaning upon the strong 
arm that had so often carried her through. All 
were of course glad to welcome her on her 
arrival. 

At the time of the five o'clock meeting, on 
the last day, Mrs. Kenney and Nettie remained 
in their room to pray, while the people gathered 
in the sanctuary. A memorable baptism came 
upon them, especially upon the feeble one, so 
that she received a new lease of life, and was 
marvelously empowered in body as well as soul. 
She came into the meetings during the day and 
gave such unctuous testimonies as will never be 
forgotten. She walked to and fro in the aisles 
and exulted in the God of her salvation. Many 
such divine uplifts were given to this devoted 
one, demonstrating that it is ordained that ** the 
Gospel treasure shall be in earthern vessels that 
the excellency of the power may be of God and 
not of us," and divine power is thus made per- 
fect in human weakness. 



NETTIE VAN NAME, 81 

In sight of such an example as this, let not 
the weak and timid ones fold their hands. Let 
them be encouraged to consecrate themselves 
wholly to the Lord, and prove what a mastery a 
purified soul can obtain over a weak body. 
God hath indeed *^ chosen the weak things of 
the world to confound the mighty " — He 
giveth power to the faint " — and maketh the 
small one as David. 

Another lesson, very prominently taught us 
in this connection, is the power of holy song. 
Nettie was well-named **The Sweet Singer.'* 
Her power of song was her great natural gift. 

But what rendered it so potent was that 
from the day of her entire sanctification her 
singing thenceforth was all for Jesus^ in the 
Holy Ghost, It was no mere sentimentalism, 
or artistic performance, but real soul-gush, in 
holy melody, and had the sweetness of heaven in 
it. She made ^* melody in her heart unto the 
Lord," and it flowed from her lips in gentleness 
and grace and wondrous power. As she sang 
the gospel — for such was her vocation — hearts of 
stone were melted — proud infidels trembled 
and bowed at the feet of Jesus, defiant sin- 
ners yielded, and the saints of God shouted for 
joy. 



82 THE SWEET SINGER, 

It were worth a trip across the continent to 
have heard this charming singer, give forth, in 
her peculiar way, ** I'm redeemed " ; ** I shall be 
satisfied"; her favorite song, *'Ishi," or, last 
but not least — ^'^ Ring out the Hallelujahs I '* 

The life that has just closed illustrates very 
beautifully, too, how happily two kindred spirits 
can be blended in Christian service. Never were 
two persons more admirably adapted to work 
together in the Gospel, than Mrs. Kenney and 
our dear Nettie. We have seen how providen- 
tial was their introduction to each other, and 
how joyfully they went forth to do the bidding 
of their Lord. Love was enkindled at first 
sight — pure, ardent, enduring love. As the 
years rolled on it increased more and more — the 
bonds were more strongly riveted — and at the 
last love looked out of the eye of the pale 
invalid, and had constant and warmer expres- 
sion as she neared the goal. We need not say 
that this was a reciprocal affection on the part 
of Mrs. Kenney. The overflowings of her heart 
in the *' Christian Standard" and otherwise, 
have fully declared the depth and ardor of her 
affection. 

We cannot refrain from giving at this point 
some beautiful utterances in her exact language. 



NETTIE VAN NAME, 83 

** Not one on earth, except her beloved and only sis- 
ter, Mrs. Hughes, will realize the loss as myself. This 
union was begotten of God, not of man. Our hearts were 
completely knit together as one, and strengthened by the 
constant growth of seven years. Happy years ! Precious 
years ! How often, on her sick-bed, she said, *'* Seven 
years ! Anchored seven years ! In the work seven 
years ! ' " 

We have worked together rescuing the perishing, 
pointing souls to the blood that cleanseth from all sin. 
We have prayed, wept, rejoiced, and sung together night 
and day. 

Never did two start out to their fields of labor more 
delighted to go than dear Sister Nettie and myself. She 
often said the very wheels of the train on which we were 
speeding along seemed to say : 

" Happy on the way, 
Happy on the way." 

O, how happy are they who their Saviour obey ! 

Friends, knowing the closeness of the union 
between these kindred spirits, have poured in 
upon Mrs. Kenney a tide of sympathy, which has 
been most grateful under the trying circum- 
stances. 

None but the family of the dear departed 
know or appreciate her many acts of kindness 
during the years of evangelistic activities, and 
her constant and loving ministries at the couch 
of the sufferer in the closing days. They will 



84 THE SWEET SINGER, 

ever pray that ^'the blessing of God, which 
maketh rich and addeth no sorrow therewith," 
may be her life-long portion. 

A beloved minister, with whom the evange- 
lists had successfully labored. Rev. H. S. 
Thompson, sent a very sympathetic letter to 
Mrs. Kenney, putting these tender stanzas into 
her lips; 

Father of Love, my heart is aching, wrapped in heavy 
gloom ; 
As, standing in the shadow of the tomb, 
I'm looking down into the narrow bed, 
Where I must lay aside my precious dead, 

"Ashes to dust," 

Yet I believe that same dear face will greet me in the 
day 
When earth's night shadows are passed away. 
And robed in vestments of the glorified, 
We'll roam together by life's river-side. 

Hand clasped in hand. 

Yes, I believe, that just a little while she's gone before ; 

And God will give her back, all bright and pure, 
And beautiful to me, forever free 

From pain and sorrow, and we both shall be 

Forever satisfied. 

Since the translation of the beloved one 
Mrs. Kenney has, of course, felt quite broken up, 
so far as Gospel work is concerned. But she 



NETTIE VAN NAME. 85 

has not been unemployed, but has held herself 
ready for any new employ which her dear Lord 
might appoint. It has been the providential 
order for her to spend some time in the home 
from which her associate took her departure to 
the mansions of the blest. This sojourn has 
been particularly welcome to the family in the 
sorrowful bereavement to which they have been 
called. Indeed, they have come to regard her 
as one of the home-circle — the ties of Christian 
affinity being strong and inseparable. 

But what renders this sojourn of so much in- 
terest is the fact of the severe protracted illness of 
their beloved daughter, Jennie. During this pain- 
ful ordeal Mrs. Kenney has been with them as an 
angel of mercy, performing the same kindly min- 
istries as in the case of Nettie. Through prayer 
and faith, united with careful medical attendance, 
the dear one so greatly afflicted realizes renewed 
health and strength, and is looking to full restor- 
ation, to the great joy of her parents, and the 
whole family. To God be all the glory. This 
visit and the generous aid of their faithful friend, 
spiritually and temporally, will be held in re- 
membrance, gratefully. And their prayer is that 
as the ^' sweet singer" has been taken from her 
side, that God will give to the evangelist a new 



THE SWEET SINGER. 



and efficient helper, so that she may gather 

many more sheaves into the Lord's garner. 

And, now, we have one more lesson, if 

possible more interesting than any we have 

named — showing how 

** God moves in a mysterious way 
His wonders to perform." 

When Nettie left Mountain Lake Park last 
summer for Silver Heights, Indiana, her friends 
thought it was a hazardous journey. And so it 
was, humanly speaking, but she was strong in 
the conviction that she must go. She not only 
desired to mingle in the services of the encamp- 
ment, but she had a loved brother and his family 
there from whom she had been long separated, 
and she felt a peculiar drawing there. The 
desired meeting was enjoyed, not however once 
thinking that it would be the last on ea^'th. A 
letter recently received by Mrs. Hughes, from 
her precious brother, has given her inexpressible 
joy, and unlocks the secret of her sister's hazar- 
dous journey. True, the hot rays of the sun 
prostrated her, and hastened her end. But if 
she could speak from the excellent glory, she 
would surely say, ** That was a happy day when I 
went to Indiana. Not for the world would I 
have it blotted from my life record." 



NETTIE VAN NAME. 87 

Mr. Van Name in the letter above named, 
says : 

" I am now writing this letter at the same desk, with 
the same pen, and sitting in the same chair, so recently- 
occupied by our dear departed Sister Nettie. Words can- 
not give expression to the unbounded love that pervaded 
our home when she came to us last summer, binding us 
all together anew in bonds of love. We were so joyful, 
so happy, so overwhelmed with gratitude, to feel and 
know that we were permitted to meet together once more 
in the flesh. She said to Maria (his wife) and myself, as 
she lay sick in her bed at Silver Heights: " * This meet- 
ing has been brought about by divine providence — it is 
not a chance meeting.' " 

I had only just arrived at home from the South, after 
a six months' absence. I came on the impulse of the 
moment and, as soon as I was over the fatigue of a 
long journey, Maria handed me a notice to read of the ar- 
rival of my dear sister in our little city, about the same 
time of my arrival of the night before. She came 
and conquered us all — we admitted it — so self-sacrificing, 
so loving, so humble — but she has gone to her reward. 
We were all so paralysed by her sudden departure that 
we could not realize it. The sound of her voice still 
rings in our ears. We still hear her notes from the 
parlor as she sang her songs of love. And may the 
good God keep us, as it were, in the hollow of His hand, 
until we too join the heavenly chorus, to unite with her in 
singing praises to the living God." 

Is not this a marvelous consummation ? Was 
it not worth a trip to Indiana in pain and weak- 



88 THE SWEET SINGER, 

ness ? Does not our now sainted sister ring out 
the loud hallelujahs on high because she under- 
took the long and tiresome journey ? She was 
on a conquering line, for she ^^ conquered them 
all," as her brother declares. And may we not 
calculate that this dear brother's prayer will be 
answered, that God will keep each member of 
the family, **as it were, in the hollow of His 
hand," and bring each and all, at last, to sing 
the high praises of God forever ? 

Never, probably, has there been a more 
united family than that of John Van Name — 
parents and children, brothers and sisters. And 
no thought can for a moment be entertained 
other than an eternal re-union in heaven, when 
the battle of life is over. 

And, now, as a closing word, let us say, 
that dear Nettie had for fourteen years her home 
with the writer and his family, at first in Phila- 
delphia, and in subsequent years in New Jersey, 
latterly in Orange, N. J. After the death of 
her father, she and her beloved mother were joy- 
ously welcomed to their home circle. In return- 
ing from her evangelistic campaigns she has 
ever received a warm greeting. She cherished 
for each one a pure and ardent love, and they 
for her. When hovering on the confines of the 



NETTIE VAN NAME, 89 

eternal world, one day, the writer asked her if 
she knew him. She opened her eyes, looked 
him full in the face, and with a sweet smile, 
said, ^^Why^ yes; you are my dear brother f' These 
were comforting words. And he had been 
greatly encouraged in hearing her say before her 
illness, that ^^she had prayed much for him 
during the summer. " She knew his multiplied 
cares, and she had held him up before her 
Father's throne. 

Well, the earthly ties have been riven, and 
the tearful farewell has been spoken. To say 
that our dear sister is missed in her late Orange 
home is but a faint expression. Morning, noon 
and night the beloved one is missed, and never 
more so than when the hour for family worship 
comes, when the vacancy at the organ is most 
palpable. But in thought they follow her in her 
roamings in the land of spirits bright, and in 
her celestial fellowship, and they indulge the 
hope of seeing her when life's conflicts are o'er, 
in robes of more than snowy whiteness, amid 
the surpassing radiance of the King's presence. 



uEC 6 1908 



Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process 
Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide 
Treatment Date: Oct. 2005 

PreservationTechnologies 

A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATIOf 

1 1 1 Thomson Park Dnve 
Cranberry Township, PA 16066 
(724)779-2111 



^ 



/ 



'■■^'i^i 



:^:-:1^ki 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




017 040 019 7 



